Elite Development: Wing Zone Signs 10-Unit Deal with Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Delivery/Take-Out Chicken Wing Franchise Positioned as First Wing Concept to Deliver on Base

Turning its head to the down economy, Wing Zone, a 100-unit chicken wing delivery/take-out specialist and the nation’s authority of flavor and ambassadors of sauce, has signed a 10-unit deal with Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). With the signing, Wing Zone joins AAFES impressive portfolio that includes 2,311 restaurants, including Burger King, Taco Bell, Cinnabon and Popeye’s.

“We have had a big 2009 and our first double-digit franchisee signing marks the proven beginning to our focused multi-unit/multi-brand growth initiative,” said Matt Friedman, CEO/Founder of Wing Zone. “To have an established franchisee like AAFES join our system is further proof that the advancements that we made internally are executable externally.”

Throughout 2008 and early 2009, Wing Zone worked on positioning its systems, operations, and model as a viable concept for prospective franchisees with high-profile resumes. AAFES, a joint military activity providing quality merchandise and service to active duty, guard and reserve military, military retirees, and their families, is proof that Wing Zone’s improvements were impressive, and viable for them to become its first franchisee to sign a double-digit deal.

In preparation for expanding into unconventional locations/systems, Wing Zone tested an improved model over the last year, designed to be more universal while strengthening its delivery systems. The signing of AAFES provides Wing Zone with the opportunity to rollout a smaller footprint as well as be the first chicken wing concept to deliver on base.

“We have mastered delivery through our more than 100 units and our almost 20-year experience as a company,” Friedman said. “We are confident delivering our wings on base that active military and their families will get the freshest and highest quality wings fast.”

The first of 10 AAFES units is scheduled to open in second quarter of 2010.

“This is our first step into unconventional sites, yet proof that our model is compatible with different types of locations,” Friedman said.

Wing Zone claims San Antonio market

Wing Zone was recently featured in an article in the San Antonio Business Journal entitled, “San Antonio remains a top spot for franchise industry.” The article profiles Brad Meltzer, an Austin businessman and Wing Zone Franchisee, and Chief Operating Officer Casey McEwen. Meltzer discusses the exciting deal which will bring 10 new Wing Zone locations to the Austin and San Antonio area while McEwen explains what makes San Antonio and the surrounding area such an attractive market. A portion of the story is shared below, and you can view the full article here.

San Antonio remains a top spot for franchise industry
San Antonio Business Journal - by Tricia Lynn Silva

An Atlanta-based chain has staked its claim in San Antonio’s budding franchise market.

Wing Zone recently signed a franchise agreement with Austin businessman Brad Meltzer to establish Wing Zone’s presence in both San Antonio and Austin. The contract calls for Meltzer to get at least 10 restaurants up and running between the two markets over the next several years.

Wing Zone joins a growing list of franchise concepts that are fervently looking to expand their brand in the Alamo City.

“We’ve wanted to be in San Antonio for a while,” says Wing Zone Chief Operating Officer Casey McEwen.

Wing Zone Featured in Atlanta Journal Constitution

Entrepreneurs could push economy forward
Laid-off employees turning to franchises, other start-ups

By Tammy Joyner and David Markiewicz

What a difference a recession makes.

College buddies Dan Ketmayura and James Kim have gone from selling high-tech know-how to serving up sushi. The pair bought a franchise in Milton after being laid off last year. Instead of waiting on the recovery to yield more corporate jobs for them, they became their own bosses.

Likewise, Roger Panitch and Mike Connors took the self-employment route, via franchising, when the corporate road proved too bumpy. Panitch, a former pharmaceutical sales rep and executive recruiter, now hauls people’s junk for a living. Connors, who lost his job as a comptroller at a credit card company, now sells cell phones and wireless devices.

As the U.S. economy slogs toward recovery, many Americans, laid off from or fed up with corporate America, are taking control of their lives with help, in many cases, from franchises. Franchises are enticing would-be entrepreneurs with a variety of incentives, including lower entry fees.

(READ MORE)