News

Wing It On spreading its wings with growth plan

April 3, 2017

Wing It On, a Connecticut-based fast casual brand, is on a growth mission. It opened its first unit outside its home state last year in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Stores in Shawnee, Kansas; San Antonio, Texas and Newark, New Jersey are scheduled to open in 2017, according to a company press release.

The restaurant group operating the newest location in South Carolina is headed by Nick Smith, a fast casual franchise veteran, who operates eight Jersey Mike's locations. Additionally, Smith had been a multi-store operator for Moe's Southwest Grill before selling his units to focus on new ventures, such as WIO. The group, also consisting of Eric Delissio and  Mark Farra, have signed on to open five stores throughout the Carolinas initially, with eventual plans to become area developers for the entire southeastern U.S.

Outside of upcoming franchisee-driven expansion, the brand has also begun planning a corporate-owned store in Jersey City, New Jersey, and is in discussions with additional franchise partners for further sites to be announced at a later date, said founder and CEO Matt Ensero.

"Some of the regions we are expanding into are already known for top-notch comfort food. We are looking forward to becoming a part of the culinary fabric of the country and capitalizing on consumer demand for a better quality fast-casual chicken wing," he said. "This marks an exciting new chapter for a brand that started from humble beginnings."

When I opened the first store, we just wanted to sell really good wings to the customers in my hometown of Waterbury. Once we opened the doors, the product spoke for itself and the freight train of demand for WIO has been picking up steam ever since. We are excited to be matching the right partners with our brand who are ready to execute our vision and bring Wing It On into the national limelight.”

In addition to wings, Wing It On offers a variety of custom-built burgers, wraps, salads and sides.