Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$340,200 - $615,500
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total US Locations
42
Business Summary
Wing Snob is a fast-casual restaurant that primarily offers specially created chicken wings and sauces, various French fries, traditional side items, beverages, desserts, and related food products. These restaurants are designed for limited sit-down dining or carry-out service.
Corporate History
Wing Snob Franchising, LLC was organized as a Michigan limited liability company on September 7, 2017. Wing Snob Franchising, LLC began offering Wing Snob franchises in October 2018 and has never offered any other franchises. The company is not currently engaged in any other business activity. Its principals and founders, Brian Shunia and Jack Mashini, also incorporated Wing Snob, Inc. on October 3, 2017, which sold its assets in March 2018. Wing Snob Franchising, LLC's affiliates own and operate several Wing Snob restaurants, including locations in Roseville, Southfield, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, some of which were reacquired from franchisees in 2024.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$340,200 - $615,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$25,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$30,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$269,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$518,000
Working Capital
$12,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition, as reflected in its financial statements, raises questions about Wing Snob Franchising, LLC's ability to provide services and support to franchisees. The company reported a member's deficit of $(345,922) as of December 31, 2024, and $(713,345) as of December 31, 2023.
Financing Details
Wing Snob Franchising, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, Wing Snob Franchising, LLC does not guarantee any loans, leases, or other obligations of its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
42
Franchised Units
39
Corporate Units
3
Avg Square Footage
1,700
Franchising Since
2018
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Wing Snob Franchising, LLC faced one litigation case. On September 19, 2023, the State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General, imposed fines against Wing Snob Franchising, LLC for failing to register as required by Michigan Compiled Laws §445.1507a for a period between October 29, 2021, and June 8, 2023, and for making franchise sales during this time. Wing Snob Franchising, LLC agreed to pay $5,500 to the State of Michigan to resolve this matter.
Bankruptcy History
Wing Snob Franchising, LLC has no bankruptcy information required to be disclosed in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document, indicating no bankruptcy history for the franchisor or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, Wing Snob franchisees must submit a timely request for renewal, complete a renewal application, and have maintained substantial compliance with their Franchise Agreement throughout its term. They are required to remodel, refurbish, and renovate their restaurant to meet the franchisor's then-current system standards. Franchisees must sign and return a new renewal Franchise Agreement, which may have materially different terms from their original agreement, and agree to any required training. Additionally, they must pay a renewal fee equal to 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee and ensure that they and their guarantors and owners sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Wing Snob Franchising, LLC provides pre-opening assistance, including an initial training program, guidance in ordering initial inventory, equipment, and signage, and opening assistance for up to 14 days without additional charge. Franchisees receive a copy of the confidential Operations Manual and assistance with site selection, approval, and prototypical plans. The franchisor also reviews lease agreements. Ongoing support includes periodic assistance with marketing, management, and key suppliers via phone and video conference, additional and ongoing training programs, and review and approval of all franchisee marketing materials. Wing Snob Franchising, LLC communicates changes to product specifications, administers the Advertising Fund, conducts announced and unannounced visits to ensure compliance, and holds periodic conferences. Franchisees are allowed to use Wing Snob's trademarks and confidential information, and the franchisor indemnifies franchisees against trademark infringement claims under certain conditions.
Initial Training Hours
108
Training Location
Franchisor headquarters in Detroit, MI, online, or at the franchisee's Restaurant
Ongoing Support
Wing Snob Franchising, LLC provides ongoing support through periodic assistance with marketing, management, and key suppliers, which may be delivered via telephone and video conference. Franchisees may receive additional and refresher training courses as deemed necessary. The franchisor reviews and approves all marketing and promotional materials and provides ongoing changes to product specifications. Wing Snob Franchising, LLC administers the Advertising Fund and conducts periodic, announced or unannounced visits to restaurants for compliance and quality assurance. The franchisor also holds periodic conferences to discuss menu, sales techniques, training, and operational procedures, which franchisees are required to attend.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
hands-on
Territory Type
protected
Territory Size Requirements
Wing Snob designates a protected territory based on the area surrounding the accepted location, typically a 4-mile radius. However, the size can be smaller, potentially less than one mile in metropolitan or downtown areas. The franchisor considers factors such as current and projected market demand, demographics, population, median household income, presence of other businesses, competitor locations, traffic patterns, access, visibility, and future development plans when determining territory size.
Staffing Notes
Wing Snob franchisees are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, terminating, and supervising their own employees, including setting pay rates and paying wages and related amounts. The restaurant must operate under the active, full-time management of an approved Designated Owner or Manager who has completed the Initial Training Program. If the Designated Owner does not supervise daily, a full-time Manager must be employed. The franchisor provides a confidential Operations Manual that includes guidelines on labor management, scheduling, roles and responsibilities, hiring decisions, performance management, and employee training requirements.