Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$479,750 - $28,811,000
Franchise Fee
$16,000
Min Cash Required
$45,000
Total US Locations
80
Business Summary
Wings Etc., Inc. sells franchises to operate WINGS ETC.® restaurants, which are family-oriented sports-themed establishments. The brand offers two models: a full-service Grill and Pub, providing on-site dining and carryout, or a Wings 2 Go restaurant, which is carryout-only. Both restaurant types serve a wide variety of fresh chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, and other food products, along with beverages including beer, wine, and liquor. Grill and Pubs are larger, typically ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 square feet with seating for up to 200 people, while Wings 2 Go locations are smaller, at 1,200 to 2,000 square feet with minimal to no seating.
Corporate History
Wings Etc., Inc. was incorporated in Indiana on August 30, 2004, and began offering full-service WINGS ETC.® restaurant franchises in April 2005. The company does not have any predecessors and has never offered franchises in other lines of business. Its affiliates, the WEOC Entities (WEOC, Inc., WEOC East Inc., and WEOC South, Inc.), have owned and operated WINGS ETC.® restaurants since January 2008 and collectively manage 26 company-owned locations.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$479,750 - $28,811,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$16,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$25,000
Minimum Cash Required
$45,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$115,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$2,515,000
Working Capital
$50,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Wings Etc., Inc.'s financial statements include a note on current economic conditions, highlighting that the restaurant franchisor industry faces unprecedented circumstances and challenges, such as declines in asset fair value, business volume, liquidity constraints, and financing difficulties. The company notes that these conditions could negatively impact future operations, sales, and liquidity, with asset and liability values potentially changing rapidly and requiring future adjustments. The franchisor's ability to maintain sufficient liquidity could also be impacted by market instability.
Financing Details
Wings Etc., Inc. does not offer direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, the franchisor does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations incurred by the franchisee.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
80
Franchised Units
54
Corporate Units
26
Avg Square Footage
4,000
Franchising Since
2005
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Wings Etc., Inc. has no litigation to report, as stated in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. No litigation is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or its management.
Bankruptcy History
Wings Etc., Inc. has no bankruptcy information to report, as stated in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. No bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or its management.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
11 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, Wings Etc., Inc. franchisees must be in good standing under their existing Franchise Agreement and all monetary and material obligations must have been satisfied in a timely manner. Franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 12 months before the current term expires. They will be required to sign a new franchise agreement, which may have different terms and fees. Additionally, franchisees must renovate, improve, replace, and update their restaurant, premises, trade dress, equipment, and grounds to meet current brand standards, or relocate if their site no longer qualifies. They must also complete any required training and pay a renewal fee equal to 10% of the then-current initial franchise fee. A general release of claims must also be signed by the franchisee, principal owners, and guarantors.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Wings Etc., Inc. provides a range of assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, the franchisor offers site selection criteria, conducts one physical tour and evaluation of a proposed site, and provides lists of approved suppliers and supplies. Franchisees receive a comprehensive operations manual and consultation on their grand opening marketing plan. An Opening Team of up to four individuals is provided to assist for 480-600 person-hours for Grill and Pubs or 120-250 person-hours for Wings 2 Go. Ongoing assistance includes maintaining the national marketing fund, updating approved supplier lists, and periodic visits for consultation and guidance. Refresher training courses are also provided without tuition fees, though franchisees cover their own expenses.
Initial Training Hours
316
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Indiana, online live video, or at a certified training restaurant designated by Wings Etc., Inc.
Ongoing Support
Wings Etc., Inc. offers ongoing support to franchisees, including maintaining the national marketing fund and providing updated lists of approved suppliers and supplies. The franchisor conducts periodic visits to restaurants to offer consultation and guidance. They may also require franchisees and their employees to attend refresher training courses, for which the tuition is free, but franchisees are responsible for all travel, living expenses, and training materials. These visits are to protect the brand's interest and not to supervise daily operations or employees.
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
supervisory
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
For a single WINGS ETC.® restaurant, franchisees receive the right to operate only at their authorized location. No specific territory size is granted. For developer franchisees, the Development Area size varies based on the agreed number of restaurants, population base and density, growth trends, affluence, density of residential and business entities, and major topographical features.
Staffing Notes
Wings Etc., Inc. requires franchisees to employ a sufficient number of competent and trained staff to ensure efficient customer service. At least one Certified Manager must be present and actively supervising the restaurant on a full-time basis, working a minimum of 40 hours per week. Franchisees must also have at least two assistant managers. All employees are required to wear clean, approved uniforms. Franchisees are solely responsible for all personnel decisions, including hiring, firing, scheduling, compensation, and benefits, and must ensure all employees comply with necessary licenses and certifications. The franchisor explicitly states that its training for employees does not imply an employment relationship between them and the franchisee's staff.