Established
1993
Franchise Units
28
Minimum Investment
$419,800
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,709,000
Home Based
No
Description
Wingers Restaurant and Alehouse isn’t just another wing joint; it’s a community cornerstone. Known as "America’s Small-Town Alehouse," Wingers has carved out a unique niche in the competitive casual dining industry by bringing a high-energy, contemporary "Family Sports Alehouse" experience to markets that major national chains often overlook.
While the world moves toward automation and impersonal service, Wingers leans into the human connection. We are the gathering place where the bartender knows your name, the wings are always fresh (never frozen), and the atmosphere vibrates with the spirit of local sports and craft beer culture. Our concept centers on four main pillars: Alehouse 101 (a massive selection of 101 craft beers), Artisan Hand-Crafted Food, an Atmosphere that Celebrates Local, and Unforgettable Service.
With a menu headlined by our legendary Original Amazing Sauce and world-famous Sticky Fingers, we have built a cult-like following. Today, Wingers is positioned as a premier growth brand, offering a streamlined operational model that thrives in both bustling metro suburbs and tight-knit small towns across the USA.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Wingers Alehouse means buying into a brand with a proven track record of over 30 years and a highly lucrative economic model.
Exceptional AUV: Wingers Alehouse units boast an eye-popping $2.95 Million to $3.03 Million Average Unit Volume (AUV) based on recent performance data.
Small-Town Dominance: We specialize in mid-sized markets (populations of 15,000 to 50,000), where lower operating costs and less competition lead to higher profitability.
Adaptive Real Estate: We are experts in second-generation conversions. By transforming existing restaurant spaces, we significantly lower your initial build-out costs compared to ground-up construction.
Diverse Revenue Streams: From dine-in sports fans and family dinners to a robust third-party delivery and takeout business, the model is built for modern consumer habits.
Background
Established Year: 1993
Franchising Since: 1998
Founders: Eric and Scott Slaymaker
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah
Brand Journey: What started as a 2,800-square-foot modular diner in Bountiful, Utah, has evolved into a powerhouse regional brand. In 2016, the brand underwent a strategic evolution into the "Alehouse" concept, adding 40+ taps and scratch-made kitchen protocols, which saw sales jump significantly in pilot locations.
Market Presence: Currently operating approximately 28 active units (and growing) across states like Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon, with active expansion targeting the Midwest and South.
Industry Category: Casual Dining / Sports Bar / Alehouse.
Support Training
We don't believe in "winging it." Our support system is designed to guide you from the moment you sign the agreement through your 100th location.
Pre-Launch Support: Expert site selection using AI-driven demographic data, lease negotiation assistance, and comprehensive restaurant design/construction guidance.
The "Manager Boot Camp": An intensive 12-week hands-on training program at a certified corporate training restaurant for operators and managers.
Wingers Academy: A digital, app-based training platform for all hourly staff (Front of House and Back of House) featuring video learning modules and certifications.
The Opening Strike Team: We send a corporate opening team to your site one week before launch to coordinate training and "mock service" parties, and they stay one week after to ensure a smooth transition.
Ongoing Operations: You’ll have a direct line to the founders and executive team—no corporate red tape. This includes regular field visits, purchasing co-ops to lower food costs, and cloud-based quality assurance tools.
Marketing Power: Benefit from professional creative development, social media oversight, local store marketing templates, and a robust loyalty app.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for "Wingers Nation" believers—not just investors. The ideal partner is:
An Experienced Operator: Someone with a background in business management or the restaurant industry who understands the "people-first" nature of hospitality.
A Culture Warrior: You must be obsessed with developing your team and creating a "guest-focused" environment.
Community-Minded: Someone who wants to be the "Mayor" of their restaurant, networking with local teams and participating in town events.
Financial Capability: Candidates should have the liquid capital and net worth required to scale, ideally with a multi-unit growth mindset.
Location Preference: We are currently seeking partners in AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, UT, and WY, specifically focusing on high-visibility sites near major highway exits or hotel clusters.
Financial Detail
| Category | Details |
| Total Investment Range | $419,800 – $1,709,000 (Varies by site type) |
| Minimum Cash/Liquid Required | $400,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $1,000,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of Net Sales |
| Creative Development Fund | 1% of Net Sales |
| Infrastructure/Construction | Highly variable; specialized in 2nd-generation conversions ($150k - $550k avg) |
| Expected ROI | Historically high EBITDA margins in small-market niches |
| Break-even Time | Varies by location; streamlined by 2nd-gen conversion speed-to-market |
