Established
1990
Franchise Units
35
Minimum Investment
$1,500,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$3,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
In a crowded market of "cookie-cutter" sports bars, Wild Wing Cafe stands out as a high-energy destination that refuses to compromise on quality. Founded on the simple belief that "Hot Wings, Cold Beer, and Good Times" are the ultimate trio, Wild Wing Cafe has evolved from a local favorite into a powerhouse franchise across the American Southeast and beyond.
What sets this brand apart isn't just the 33 signature sauces or the scratch-made kitchen; it’s the atmosphere. Wild Wing Cafe positions itself as the "Home of the Best Wings, Best Varieties, and the Best Live Music." By blending a high-volume restaurant with a vibrant nightlife and live entertainment component, franchisees tap into multiple revenue streams—lunch crowds, families, game-day fanatics, and late-night music lovers. When you invest in a Wild Wing Cafe, you aren't just opening a restaurant; you’re becoming the social heartbeat of your community.
Why Invest in a Wild Wing Cafe Franchise?
Investing in Wild Wing Cafe is a move toward a proven, recession-resilient model with a massive "cool factor" that appeals to a wide demographic.
Multi-Daypart Dominance: Unlike traditional bars that only thrive at night, our "made from scratch" menu drives a heavy lunch and dinner business.
The Entertainment Edge: By hosting live local bands and acoustic sets, you create a loyal "third place" for customers—somewhere that isn't home or work.
Brand Loyalty: We have a cult-like following. Fans don't just eat here; they wear the gear and follow their favorite wing flavors religiously.
Prime Territory Availability: While we are a staple in the South, there are massive opportunities for expansion in untapped U.S. markets.
Background
Founded: 1990
First Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Founders: Cecil and Dianne Sasser
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Current Active Units: Approximately 35 locations (mix of corporate and franchised)
Ownership: Managed under strategic investment groups focusing on brand modernization and operational excellence.
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Sports Bar / Entertainment Venue
The Story: The Sassers started with a single fryer and a dream to create a place they actually wanted to hang out in. Since then, the brand has survived and thrived by staying true to its roots: fresh, never-frozen wings and a commitment to supporting local musicians. It has successfully transitioned from a beach-town secret to a regional powerhouse in the casual dining sector.
Support Training
We don't just hand you the keys and wish you luck. Our support system is designed to take you from "groundbreaking" to "grand opening" and beyond.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection: Expert assistance in analyzing demographics, traffic patterns, and real estate viability to ensure your footprint is optimized for success.
Construction & Design: Guidance on the "industrial-cool" layout that maximizes seating capacity and stage acoustics.
2. The "Wing University" (Academic & Operational Training)
Management Training: A multi-week intensive program covering kitchen operations, bar management, and front-of-house hospitality.
The Scratch Kitchen: Specialized training on our proprietary sauce recipes and fresh prep methods to maintain consistency across the fleet.
3. Marketing & Tech Support
Grand Opening Blitz: High-impact local marketing to ensure a line out the door on opening day.
Digital Presence: Full integration into the national brand's digital ecosystem, including loyalty app management and social media toolkits.
Supply Chain: Access to vetted vendors and national purchasing power for poultry, spirits, and equipment.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for "Culture Creators," not just passive investors. The ideal Wild Wing Cafe partner looks like this:
The Experienced Operator: A background in multi-unit restaurant management or hospitality is highly preferred to navigate the complexities of a high-volume venue.
The Community Leader: Someone who loves people, music, and sports, and wants to be the "face" of the neighborhood's favorite hangout.
Financial Capability: Sufficient liquid capital to handle build-outs, equipment costs, and the initial "ramp-up" period.
Location Preference: Suburban hubs, college towns, or high-traffic retail corridors with a minimum requirement of 5,000–7,000 square feet.
Financial Detail
| Category | Details |
| Total Investment Range | $1,500,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Infrastructure Costs | Full commercial kitchen, stage/AV setup, and bar |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Merch, and Events |
