Family Dining

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.

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 Philadelphia, Raleigh, and Memphis.

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 11^th. 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.

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 Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, 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.