Wingers: a Company that is Flying

Q) What’s the History of Wingers?

When we originally set up Wingers – The Chicken Wing Company - during the Pandemic, we had no idea it would take off like it has.   Since start-up, we’ve grown rapidly and now have restaurants trading successfully across the UK run by a network of franchisees, several of which run more than one outlet.

My Dad, brother and I created Wingers together as a family business and it still is.  We all have our separate roles and are committed to running the company and supporting our franchisees.

Q) How Did the Idea Come About?

My dad first thought of creating a fried chicken concept when he ran sandwich shops, but the idea was shelved while he grew that business.  Covid was make or break on every level.  My dad had needed to close the sandwich business and as a family, we had no income coming in.  It was a tough time.  However, during Lockdown food deliveries were still permitted so we took advantage of our fully fitted out kitchen and made a small investment in a fryer.  It was time to see if the buttermilk fried chicken idea would fly.  It did!

That first day it was quiet, and we only made £250, but word quickly got around and it took off from there.  When restrictions eased, people could collect too.  We were working out of an industrial estate in Aldridge with a huge car park so whole families would arrive.  Our runners would deliver to vehicles and in the summer when allowed, people brought their own beers and would have a picnic in the car park!

Fast forward to today and we’ve recently opened our fifteenth Wingers.  And wow what an opening our most recent restaurant in Wellingborough turned out to be!  Our franchisee in Northants opened with record sales and this had already followed successful new store launches for other franchisees in Congleton and Stafford at the end of last year.

Q) What makes Wingers different?

We focus on fresh chicken and delicious flavours using quality ingredients to create a tasty meal which customers can either eat-in, take away or have delivered to their door.  Customers can choose from a variety of dishes such as our signature wings marinaded in our in-house buttermilk recipe and fried to perfection, smothered in their favourite sauce, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

We keep our menu simple and use great quality ingredients.  We focus on quality and a warm welcome but are gentle on the price point, which keeps customers coming back for more.  The popularity of our food has gained a big fan base and to satisfy demand we launched as a franchise in the Autumn of 2022.

Q) Tell me about your Expansion Plans?

We have chosen to use a franchise model to expand our brand presence across the UK.  Franchisees are supported and trained by us and they run their own Wingers.  There is plenty of opportunity for expansion and a number of our franchisees are either multi-unit or have plans to open more Wingers restaurants soon.  Our target is to secure 30 sites by the end of 2025.  As a result, we are looking for experienced QSR professionals in all parts of the Country including Northern Ireland to join us on our expansion journey.

Q) How do you support Wingers Franchisees?

We offer full turn-key restaurant opening.  This means we help with site sourcing, lease agreements and fit out.  We also provide comprehensive training and support which includes marketing and ongoing business advice.  We offer a simple operation with low staff overheads, a great menu and low cost of entry and this means potential for excellent returns.

Q) How can People Find out More?

Have a look at our website: https://www.wingers.uk.net/franchise  or email: franchise@wingers.uk.net