East Coast Wings + Grill

7 03, 2024

East Coast Wings + Grill Commits $100,000 to International Franchise Association’s Franchise Ascension Initiative

2024-03-07T19:41:51-05:00March 7th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Accelerator Program Aims to Narrow the Wealth Gap by Diversifying Franchise Ownership

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In support of the International Franchise Association’s Franchise Ascension Initiative, East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a casual dining restaurant franchise, has announced its commitment of $100,000 to the program over the next five years. The Franchise Ascension Initiative (TAI) is a 6-month accelerator program aimed at preparing qualified individuals from underrepresented groups and economically disadvantaged communities with the education, mentorship, resources, and support to successfully launch a career in franchise ownership.

“It was important for me to be an inaugural donor to this program because I have been working on a strategy for developing a diversity program for ECW+G and this program basically launches ECW+G into such a desire,” said Sam Ballas, CEO & Founder of ECW+G.

The inception of this program, aimed at narrowing the wealth gap by catalyzing diversity in ownership in franchising, stemmed from the acknowledgment of the racial disparities in financial well-being. The International Franchise Association recognized franchising as a path toward a solution to the problem. Franchising has proven to be a successful wealth-generation strategy for historically disadvantaged communities, with, for instance, Black-owned franchise firms earning 2.2x as much in sales compared to Black-owned independent businesses, on average.

In addition to their donation to the program, ECW+G plans to engage in the mentorship aspect of the program to educate potential franchise owners on the importance of unit level economics within any franchise model. Additionally, ECW+G plans to develop a business model in an attempt to assist the program’s candidates in bringing ECW+G to their communities.

“Founders of companies have power to make a difference in their communities, and I am a stout believer that you must give back and not be a consistent ‘taker’ from them,” said Ballas. “The Franchise Accession Initiative offers East Coast Wings + Grill, and myself, an opportunity to embrace the underrepresented communities as a part of a total strategy. It simply compelled me to be part of making a difference.”

The six-month long program consists of structured online training, interactive and experiential learning, concluding in a pitch contest case study where participants will have the opportunity to prepare for a pitch contest on a specific franchise opportunity, which includes preparation of a business and financial model and a presentation in front of a selected group of franchisees, suppliers and/or franchisor executives. The program’s first group is set to begin in late 2024 or early 2025 and seeks franchise candidates from the five following categories:

  • College Degree Seeking Candidates – This audience pursues franchise ownership as an alternative career path. Ideally graduate school candidates, although undergraduate candidates in community colleges and vocational tracks are also good candidates.
  • Fractional or Outright Path to Ownership for Experienced Business Managers – Managers with 5+ years of successful management-level experience (in franchise, retail or other systems) who are interested in owning their own business either 100% outright or via a fractional path to ownership with store management.
  • Conversion Franchising – Existing business owners with a single unit or two that want to grow their business as part of a larger proven franchise system with support and resources and who may not be aware of franchising as a growth path for their business.
  • Corporate refugees – Individuals undergoing career changes who may not be aware of the opportunities in franchising.
  • High performing franchisees – These candidates will self-identify or be selected by franchisors with the potential for multi-unit ownership.

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 50 nationwide locations, the franchise has secured a spot on the Entrepreneur and the Franchise Business Review Top Food Franchise lists. The concept has also been named to the Franchise Business Review Hall of Fame for the past decade due to outstanding franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. East Coast Wings + Grill is a member of the IFA, with CEO and Founder, Sam Ballas, serving as the second vice chair of the association. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

28 11, 2023

East Coast Wings + Grill Launches First-of-its-Kind Franchisee Incentive and Conversion Program

2023-11-28T17:55:12-05:00November 28th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Casual Dining Brand Unveils Unique, Rewarding Opportunity for Multi-Unit Operators, Independent Restaurant Owners

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Escalating interest rates coupled with unprecedented challenges for independent restaurant operators has inspired East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a casual dining restaurant franchise, to launch its new franchise owner incentive program. Aimed at providing a unique opportunity for independent restaurant owners to benefit from exponential growth and financial success within a proven franchise model, ECW+G offers a way to benefit from a motivating and supportive environment where franchise owners can thrive.

As a brand with a proven business model, strong brand reputation, and a record of driving unit-level economics, ECW+G offers the ideal platform for visionaries to start or extend their journeys. The program is designed to appeal to a multitude of candidates, including franchise-modeled food operators who are at the term of their current franchise agreement and may be interested in another brand to consider operating, independent restaurant owners considering a franchise brand as a way to combat the challenges associated with operating a restaurant in today’s new normal and multi-unit operators looking to expand their portfolio with a successful, proven brand. Based on the disclosed FDD average unit volumes, overall savings through the program are approximately $140,000.

“At ECW+G, we have spent the last several years reformulating our systems for the post-pandemic new normal for success and have developed a clear roadmap for growth and by offering this new incentive and conversion program, we will continue to stand out as the premiere restaurant franchise opportunity,” said Sam Ballas, CEO & Founder of ECW+G. “By significantly lowering the cost of entry for prospective franchise owners, we are confident that these entrepreneurs will thrive in our system. There is no better time to join our brand. We own the registration for ‘Driven by Unit Level Economics’ as our core philosophy to remind our brand daily of what we do.”

When it comes to independent restaurant operators, times have never been more challenging. With the conversion program with ECW+G, these owners can benefit from becoming part of a franchise brand with supply chain efficiencies, training, operations support, enhanced local store marketing support, and a dedicated commitment to unit-level economics.

Through the program, which runs until March 31, 2024, ECW+G’s National Franchise Service Center will provide guidance, mentorship, and business reviews to help candidates achieve their milestones and maximize potential. The program also fosters a collaborative environment through regular franchise owners’ meetings, where owners can network, share best practices, and learn from their peers. Once an ECW+G franchisee, owners will have priority consideration for opening new locations and expanding into untapped markets, allowing them to scale their business and increase overall profitability.

Known for its high-quality wings that come in over 55+ flavors and 7 heat indexes, ECW+G offers guests a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to bring the family, enjoy a game, or pick up convenient carry-out options. ECW+G continues to attract single-unit, multi-unit, and multi-concept franchise candidates and targets regional expansion in markets nationwide, including PhiladelphiaRaleigh, and Memphis.

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 50 nationwide locations, the franchise has secured a spot on the Entrepreneur and the Franchise Business Review Top Food Franchise lists. The concept has also been named to the Franchise Business Review Hall of Fame for the past decade due to outstanding franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

7 11, 2023

FALLing in Love: New Menu Items Bring Trending Flavors, New Cocktails to East Coast Wings + Grill Locations

2023-11-07T16:16:51-05:00November 7th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Family-Friendly, Casual Dining Brand Celebrates Change of Seasons with Tasty Additions to Food & Beverage Menus

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a full-service and family-dining restaurant renowned for its variety of buffalo wing sauces and heat indexes, unveiled today a plethora of new food options in addition to new cocktail creations for guests.

Building off its robust menu that includes fan-favorites like award-winning wing flavors, delectable burger creations and unique flatbread options, ECW+G is tapping into popular flavors to give guests more of the craveable items they love. As of late October, guests can enjoy the new food and drinks options at one of the many ECW+G locations nationwide.

“East Coast Wings + Grill is known for both its bold, unique flavors and innovative menu items and our new fall lineup is no different,” said Sam Ballas, CEO of East Coast Wings + Grill. “We are very excited to debut these delicious items to our loyal guests and we are confident that we will create new lifelong fans through the unique culinary experience people have come to know and love about our brand.”

ECW+G’s new fall food items include:

  • Street Corn Cobettes: Eat it like a rib. Tender crisp corn cobettes served with a Tajin® based aioli drizzle and topped with parmesan cheese.
  • The Big Dill Burger: Two seasoned quarter-pound Angus beef patties stacked with fried pickle chips, Thousand Island, American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, tomato and crisp lettuce. Served with your choice of crispy ale-battered French fries, sliced potato chips or tater tots.
  • 3 new wing flavors:
    • Sweet Kickin’ Polynesian
    • Hot Honey
    • Tajin®

In addition to the new food items, the brand is launching six new cocktails – two new signature creations and four featured drinks:

  • Signature Cocktails:
    • Spicy Margarita – Spice it up with this cool margarita – Cucumber and Jalapeño tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, sour mix with a Tajin® rim and fresh jalapeño slices.
    • ECW+G Punch™ – Sip on some Hawaiian flavor – vodka, whiskey, amaretto, triple sec, grenadine, orange juice and pineapple juice.
  • Featured Cocktails:
    • Bourbon Bog – Sipping on flavor – bourbon, triple sec, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters and topped with Starry
    • Electric Blue – It’s electric – vodka, blue curacao, blueberry syrup, lemonade
    • Melon Chill – Bring the chill – watermelon vodka, coconut rum, triple sec, lemonade, grenadine and topped with Starry
    • Nutty Old Fashioned – Let’s get nutty – bourbon, Frangelico, bitters

The four featured cocktails were created by ECW+G’s own North Carolina bartenders. The cocktail that sells the most between now and April 2024 will be deemed the winner, earning the creator a $2,500 cash prize. Known for its high-quality wings that come in over 50+ flavors and 7 heat indexes, ECW+G offers guests a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to bring the family, enjoy a game, or pick up convenient carry-out options.

ECW+G will also be running a Veteran’s Day special at participating locations which will give veterans and those currently serving our country the opportunity to receive a free meal on Saturday, November 11th. The meal choices include five boneless wings + a side, five bone-in wings + a side, cheeseburger + a side or ECW+G Buffalo Chicken Salad. Side options include crispy ale-battered French fries, tater tots, or freshly sliced potato chips and all meals include a soda fountain drink or tea.

These new offerings are a direct byproduct of ECW+G’s thoughtful and responsive menu strategy, supported by three pillars: food quality, profits and guest preferences. In fact, the franchise actively hosts food focus groups monthly to garner feedback from its loyalty members. These guests taste test a variety of menu options and provide constructive feedback on which potential offerings should be added to the menu. Additionally, ECW+G dedicates a significant amount of time, money and resources to ensure its menu innovation prioritizes food quality while also minimalizing costs for franchisees.

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot-on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

1 11, 2023

East Coast Wings + Grill Opens New Location in Clemson; Sights Set on Continued Expansion in Southeast

2023-11-01T20:37:47-04:00November 1st, 2023|Tags: , , |

Family-Friendly Wing Franchise’s South Carolina Opening Shows Region’s Demand for High-Quality Casual Dining 

CLEMSON, S.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a full-service and family-dining restaurant renowned for its variety of buffalo wing sauces and heat indexes, announced the opening of their newest location in Clemson, South Carolina. Located at 405 S. College Ave., Suite 300, the new restaurant signals the brand’s intent of continued growth in the region after opening in Florence, South Carolina, earlier this year.

The owner of the Clemson location, Hector Webber, who comes from a multifaceted entrepreneurial background, found his connection to the area when his daughter enrolled at Clemson University. Inspired by the vibrant college town, Webber decided to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and open the family-focused restaurant.

“The demand for great food and a welcoming dining experience is one of the driving factors of my decision to open my own East Coast Wings & Grill at this time,” said Hector Webber, owner of East Coast Wings & Grill in Clemson. “Clemson is not just a college town, it’s a dynamic town full of people who appreciate good food and good times and we know they’ll appreciate the addition of our exciting menu to the area!”

“Our newest location in South Carolina is just the tip of the iceberg of our regional development,” said Mark Lyso, SVP Brand Development of East Coast Wings + Grill. “The market is a good fit and the customer demand for East Coast Wing’s & Grill’s expansion in South Carolina and Virginia is at an all-time high. This new opening couldn’t have come at a better time, as we have now opened additional markets for development.”

East Coast Wings & Grill is currently targeting ColumbiaGreenvilleSpartanburg, and other select territories in South Carolina and the Virginia Beach and Richmond, Virginia markets.

Known for its high-quality wings that come in over 55+ flavors and 7 heat indexes, ECW+G offers guests a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to bring the family, enjoy a game, or pick up convenient carry-out options. East Coast Wings + Grill – Clemson will feature a full bar, outdoor seating options, a selection of local craft beers, and tv’s for guests to enjoy a variety of sporting events.

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot-on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

1 03, 2022

East Coast Wings + Grill Promotes Whitney Mann to Executive Vice President of Operations

2022-03-01T09:45:21-05:00March 1st, 2022|Tags: , , |

Casual-dining Franchise Appoints 18-year Company Loyalist to Sustain the Brand’s Accelerated Growth.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill, a full-service casual-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings and fresh crafted burgers, has promoted 18-year company loyalist Whitney Mann to Executive Vice President of Operations.

Mann first joined East Coast Wings + Grill in 2004 as a server at one of its restaurants. Shortly after her career began, her leadership traits and tenacity were recognized, and she was named General Manager of the King, NC location in 2007. With an eagerness for learning the corporate side of operations, she joined the corporate team as a part-time administrative assistant in 2008. Since joining the corporate team, she has been promoted to Corporate Training Coordinator, Unit Level Systems Analyst, Brand Field Consultant, Director of Functional Analytics and finally VP of Field Operations before settling into her newly-appointed role.

“Having done every job at the restaurant level and by gaining additional experience at corporate, I have a unique perspective that has helped me provide strong operational guidance across the organization. I know the day-to-day challenges franchisees and their employees face on the front-lines,” said Mann. “Since my career began with East Coast Wings + Grill 18 years ago, I’ve been focused on going the extra mile – whether it’s for customers, fellow employees or franchisees. I look forward to continuing that approach in my new role and look forward to continued success with this amazing brand.”

In this new role, Mann will focus on sustaining brand growth that has been achieved after a record-breaking 2021. Her primary objective will be ensuring franchisees and their teams maintain brand compliance, while also closely watching marketing and social media trends to ensure the brand remains an industry leader in offering best-in-class technologies and resources.

“During her long tenure with our brand, much of Whitney’s achievements can be tied to her entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of providing the highest level of customer service across all the stakeholders in our organization,” said East Cast Wings + Grill CEO, Sam Ballas. “She is truly the embodiment of our corporate mantra, ‘Never Be Satisfied.’ I’m confident our brand will continue to grow under her operational watch.”

For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill franchising opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL

East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, casual-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings and fresh crafted burgers. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwings.com or www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

25 01, 2022

East Coast Wings + Grill Flexes Unit Level Economics Systems in 2021

2022-01-25T11:01:49-05:00January 25th, 2022|Tags: , , |

Casual Dining Restaurant Franchise Has Record Year with Pandemic Off-Ramping.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G) – a full-service, casual-dining restaurant franchise – experienced record-breaking sales due to the company’s laser-like-focus on unit level economics and franchisee support. In doing so, ECW+G delivered a Unit Level Average EBIT of 13.7 percent.

Predominantly based in the southeast region of the United States, ECW+G has seen a notable uptick in same-stores sales through the Pandemic – positive momentum that carried the franchise model through 2021. In fact, 62 percent of the franchisees had a record-breaking year- measuring from a unit’s inception and any unit’s record prior 2021.

These promising returns are the result of a strategic off-ramping process, which began in late December 2020 into January 2021 for ECW+G, to best handle the repercussions of the pandemic.

The leadership team, led by CEO Sam G. Ballas, devoted a number of resources to maximizing operational efficiency at the unit-level to ensure franchisees remained as profitable as possible – even during the highest Cost of Sales the brand has seen in 10 years. Additionally, the franchise reassessed and optimized its supply chain moving to a weekly basis and remained zoned in on making purposeful adjustments to positively drive unit-level data.

Because of its unique off-ramping efforts in 2021, ECW+G is experienced strong performance:

  • Four locations broke the $3+mm revenue mark, one was $65k from $4mm.
  • 202l check averages were up 9.9 percent over the blended years of 2019-20.
  • 2021 avg. unit gross rev. increased 18.1 percent over 2020 and 23.7 percent over blended 2019-20.
  • Take out sales retained a 9.4 percent lift over blended 2019-20.
  • Average unit Cost of Sales took an acceptable increase of 3.9 percent over 2020.
  • New unit development box size was proofed at 2,200 sq. ft., delivering a $1.61mm gross rev. driving the brand in 2022 to a new box range of 2,400-2,800 sq. ft.

Altogether, these numbers validate the importance of driving unit level economics, being able to adapt and having a trusting relationship with franchisees.

“The culture of our brand is driving unit level numbers while coaching franchisees on the importance of every dime and nickel,” said Ballas. “2021 had false hopes. We hoped that the Pandemic would have off-ramped sooner, and that supply chain inflections were to be short lived. These hopes burst in early Q2 of 2021, as ECW + Grill was not immune to inflection. We had a couple of locations forced to go dark for relocating with circumstances uncontrollable by our franchisees, then faced construction supply chain issues. Having to RFP new food items as manufacturing became a daily inflection. We had to swiftly re-coach our franchise system of the importance in managing the middle of the P&L for assuring optimal bottom-line results. I am glad 2021 is in the books, and I am ecstatic how our franchisees and the brand’s support system performed.”

Due to the company’s 2021 performance, ECW + Grill has captured the attention of many candidates. From Q3 2021 to date, the brand added three new franchisees, one a multi-unit operator and poised to sign two additional franchisees in Q1 of 2022. ECW+G is now uniquely positioned to scale the super-regional brand to 50-60 operating units by year end 2024. “As a CEO and founder, I had to look at the markets, restaurant space and future development through a new lens. Adapting to the ‘new normal’ is making it much easier to see what we have to do to continue to grow both new markets and existing franchisee revenues. It will take smart growth, sticking to our core philosophy and adjusting the view from our lens as we add new markets this year,” said Ballas.

ECW+G is targeting regional expansion in Southeast markets within North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL

East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, casual-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings and fresh crafted burgers. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwings.com or www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

21 12, 2021

East Coast Wings + Grill Signs Franchise Partners to Expand in Northern Virginia

2021-12-21T09:31:32-05:00December 21st, 2021|Tags: , , |

Local Entrepreneurs to Fill a Need for a Family-Dining Restaurant in the Area. 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a full-service and family-dining restaurant renowned for its variety of buffalo wing sauces and heat indexes, announced Lisa and David Ware III will join the franchise system after signing a single-unit franchise agreement to open a restaurant in Northern Virginia.

Lisa Ware, who is a school counselor with an area school system, and David Ware III, who is an IT consultant, chose ECW+G because they felt there wasn’t a good restaurant option in their community to order wings and watch sports in a family-dining atmosphere – an issue they expect to fill with their new location. The husband-and-wife franchise partners had also always wanted to own their own restaurant, especially with David growing up in a family-run barbecue restaurant and catering business.

“I discovered East Coast Wings + Grill during one of my work trips in Charlotte, and was impressed with the extraordinary hospitality, experience and quality of the product – and I’m very critical when it comes to restaurants,” said David Ware III, noting he has high food quality and service expectations due to his restaurant background. “We look forward to bringing this family-dining concept to Northern Virginia to fill a need for this type of concept blending the many things our community loves: premium food, watching sports and bringing families together.”

The Northern Virginia location can create jobs for 25 to 30 individuals. Opening an ECW+G restaurant creates the opportunity for community-oriented sponsorships and local events. Known for its high-quality wings that come in over 55+ flavors and 7 heat indexes, ECW+G offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to bring the family, enjoy a game, or pick up convenient carry out options.

“We are happy to have Lisa and David join our franchise system, and grow our presence in Northern Virginia, a key market for our growth in the state,” says Mark Lyso, Chief Development Officer of East Coast Wings + Grill. “With the brand’s structured discipline and the systems commitment to unit economics, coupled with their backgrounds and passion for the restaurant business, we look forward to growing our footprint in Northern Virginia in 2022.”

ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwings.com or www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

16 11, 2021

East Coast Wings + Grill Breaks into South Carolina with New Franchise Agreement

2021-11-16T03:03:45-05:00November 16th, 2021|Tags: , , |

Popular Family-Dining Restaurant Appoints Chief Development Officer to Spearhead Additional Growth.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill, a full-service, family-dining restaurant franchise, announced it has a new franchise partner who has signed a franchise agreement for Florence, South Carolina – the first of many deals to come as the regional brand expands throughout the Southeast.

The single-unit deal is with franchise partners Deep and Charmi Patel. The experienced owners are a part of successful businesses throughout Florence, which include convenient stores and a QSR restaurant location.

The South Carolina franchise agreement follows the brand’s recent investments and focus on franchise sales and expansion strategy, which included a refreshed website and several measures to reduce overhead and further strengthen unit economics.

“We had a vision last year to reengineer the website and restructure our franchise sales strategies for the next five years to better attract and serve entrepreneurs in restaurant category,” said Sam Ballas, CEO of ECW+G. “Part of the adjusted strategy involved putting the right people in the right seats at the company,” Ballas said, alluding to moving former Executive VP of Operations Mark Lyso to the role of Chief Development Officer.

Lyso, a 23-year franchise veteran, will lead franchise development strategy and build a franchise sales team to catapult the brand’s growth nationwide. Before joining ECW+G in 2017 in an operations role, Lyso spearheaded growth in franchise development roles for brands including Sizzler and Pizza Rev.

“Over the next three years, Mark (Lyso) will be expanding his development department with individuals who understand that strong unit-level economics is the foundation on which ECW+G is built,” Ballas noted.

East Coast Wings + Grill continues to remain at 46 percent side-door/carryout sales and experience a steady flow of 54 percent dine-in revenue. They are up 26 percent higher than pre-pandemic sales.

“The unwavering strength of our existing operators speaks volumes to the refined and reduced labor business model,” Lyso said. “We’ll be able to strategically place our streamlined operations into regional markets with the right franchise partners who understand you need a forward-thinking solution to generate and sustain profits in the changing restaurant landscape.”

To learn more about East Coast Wings + Grill and its franchise opportunity, please visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.

About East Coast Wings + Grill

East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwings.com or www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.