Established
2011
Franchise Units
8
Minimum Investment
$215,500
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$445,000
Home Based
No
Description
In the high-stakes world of the American chicken wing market, many brands settle for "good enough"—frozen products, generic sauces, and uninspired dining rooms. Wing It On! (WIO) was founded to shatter that mold. Built on the core belief that authentic Buffalo-style wings should be a high-quality experience rather than a fast-food afterthought, WIO has established itself as the premier "better wing" alternative in the fast-casual space.
What truly defines the WIO experience is a fanatical attention to detail. We serve fresh, never-frozen wings and hand-breaded tenders that are cooked to order, ensuring that essential "crunch" that fans crave. Our brand is vibrant, digitally forward, and perfectly positioned to capture the millennial and Gen Z demographic. As a key player within the Craveworthy Brands portfolio, Wing It On! offers the agility and soul of a local favorite backed by the sophisticated infrastructure of a national restaurant powerhouse.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Wing It On! is a move into a specialized niche of the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) sector that shows no signs of slowing down.
Award-Winning Menu: Our signature Buffalo sauce has been recognized as the #1 Buffalo Sauce in America for three consecutive years at the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
Lean Operational Model: Our stores are designed with a small footprint, which means lower real estate costs, reduced overhead, and higher sales-per-square-foot potential.
Tech-Forward Strategy: From a high-conversion mobile app to a robust loyalty program, our digital stack is built to drive repeat business and seamless off-premise ordering.
Versatile Prototypes: Whether it’s a traditional storefront or the "Wing It On Wheels" food truck model, the brand offers flexibility to fit various markets and investment levels.
Reliable Demand: Chicken wings are a staple of American culture, making this a recession-resistant business that thrives during sports seasons and everyday dining alike.
Background
Established Year: 2011
Franchising Since: 2015
Founders: Matt Ensero and Justin Egan
Brand Journey: Matt Ensero launched the first location in Waterbury, Connecticut, driven by a desire to bring real Buffalo-quality wings to his hometown. After proving the model's success, the brand began franchising in 2014. In recent years, it joined Craveworthy Brands, a platform led by industry veterans focused on scaling high-growth concepts.
Current Active Units: Approximately 8+ locations, with a heavy expansion focus currently targeting the Midwest and Southeast USA.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Quick Service Restaurant – Chicken & Wings.
Support Training
We provide a roadmap designed to take the guesswork out of business ownership. Our support includes:
Real Estate & Site Selection: Expert assistance in identifying high-traffic locations and navigating lease negotiations.
Comprehensive Training: A multi-week program covering kitchen management, food safety, proprietary recipes, and front-of-house hospitality.
On-Site Launch Support: Our corporate opening team joins you at your location for your first week of business to ensure operations run like clockwork.
Marketing & PR: Access to national brand campaigns, localized social media strategies, and grand opening playbooks to build immediate local buzz.
Ongoing Innovation: Continuous R&D for new flavors and menu items, alongside regular field visits to help you optimize your profit and loss statements.
Ideal Candidate
Wing It On! is looking for partners who are as passionate about the product as we are.
The Hands-On Leader: We value owners who want to be present in their business, building a culture of excellence among their staff.
Multi-Unit Ambition: While we love single-unit operators, we are actively seeking investors who have the vision to grow into 3–5 units over time.
Financial Capability: Candidates should have the necessary liquid capital and net worth to support the build-out and the first several months of operation.
Community Connection: An ideal franchisee understands that a wing joint is a community hub and is eager to partner with local schools, teams, and charities.
Financial Detail
Minimum Liquid Capital: $150,000
Total Initial Investment: $215,500 – $445,000 (Dependent on location size and local construction costs)
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Minimum Net Worth: $500,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing/Ad Fund: 4% (split between national brand building and local initiatives)
Expected ROI & Break-Even: While performance varies by market, our low-cost entry and efficient labor model are designed to help franchisees reach their break-even point and start scaling as quickly as possible.
Revenue Streams: Dine-in, Carry-out, Third-party Delivery, Catering, and specialized "Wing It On Wheels" mobile units.
