Think Global, Eat Local

Wing Zone was recently featured in an article in qsrmagazine.com titled, "Think Global, Eat Local". The article discusses how many quick-serve restaurants are looking towards emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia, and other regions for new growth ventures. Hair Parra, Wing Zone's vice president of international development discusses keeping the food and flavors as consistent as possible across the various locations. Click here to read the article or begin below.

"Think Global, Eat Local"
By Nicole Duncan

In a globalized world, many quick-serve restaurants look to emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia, and other regions for new growth ventures. While these retailers strive to maintain the cornerstones of their brand, international menus can't be carbon copies of the American originals. Regional flavors, religious dietary restrictions, and different suppliers all play a part in shaping unique dishes for consumers abroad.

"There's a lot of research you have to do to really understand the market, the customs, the type of food people eat there, " says Danny Bendas, managing partner at Synergy Restaurant Consultants.

Some brands, like Atlanta-based Wing Zone, strive to keep the food and flavors as consistent as possible across the various locations.

"As much as we can, we want to have our main menu the same way that we have it here in the States," says Hair Parra, vice president of international development at Wing Zone. "The main reason we do that is because when people buy a franchise from the United States, they want to see the same thing they see in the States."...

Click here to read the entire article.

Wing Zone's global growth accelerates

Wing Zone were recently featured in an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle title, "Wing Zone's global growth accelerates". The article focuses on Wing Zone's international growth and future development plans. Hair Parra discusses the countries that Wing Zone plans on opening up additional units in correlation with the brands aggressive international development plan. Click here to read the article or begin below.

"Wing Zone's global growth accelerates"
By Phil W. Hudson

Wing Zone plans to expand on a large international scale in 2014.

The Atlanta chain said it will open or add locations in Russia, Hong Kong, Malabo, Trinidad, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Columbia and Panama.

Wing Zone awarded units in 30 countries with another 15 projected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2014. Recently hired international growth partner Hair Parra plans to have agreements in place for 80 countries by the end of 2017, Wing Zone said.

Click here to read the entire article.

Atlanta Franchisers Look to Taiwan and Beyond

Wing Zone were recently featured in an article on www.globalatlanta.com titled, "Atlanta Franchisers Look to Taiwan and Beyond". The article discusses Wing Zone’s development plans internationally. Wing Zone's Hair Parra discusses the menu differences for different countries and testing the locals tastes before creating the full menu. The article talks about the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the trade mission Wing Zone partook in. Click here to read the article or begin below.

"Atlanta Franchisers Look to Taiwan and Beyond"

By Trevor Williams

A young population of 23 million in a democracy with a growing appetite for U.S. fast food has Atlanta-based franchisers looking to take cinnamon rolls, sandwiches and chicken wings to Taiwan.

Focus Brands Inc, and Wing Zone took part in a trade mission led by the Georgia Department of Economic Development in April, seizing the opportunity for a smooth introduction to a market they were already considering. 

It's not as though either has had trouble expanding abroad. Focus Brands has opened Auntie Anne's pretzel shops all over Asia, two Moe's Southwest Grills in Russia, and even a Cinnabon store in war-torn Libya. 

Still, the Georgia department set up meetings that made it easy for the company to connect with the right people in Taiwan. "For us, it's a really convenient and cost effective away to get face to face potential investors," said Scott Chorna, director of International new business development Focus Brands, who returned from the trip to his base in Los Angelos

Click here to read the entire article.

Wing Zone is featured as QSR's feature story in February!

This month, QSR has featured Wing Zone as their cover story. The article discusses Wing Zone's international plans for 2010, and Wing Zone's well thought out business model and strategic international expansion plans.

‘The International Plan’
QSR followed four Wing Zone executives as they took the brand beyond U.S. borders and into Central America. Along the way, the group inked a deal in Asia and found out what it takes to expand a concept into new territories. By Deborah L. Cohen

Population. U.S. proximity. Financing. Footprint. The right partners. Those were just a few of the factors that mid-sized quick serve Wing Zone considered in choosing the first international market to represent its expanding brand.

The founders believed they had just one shot to make their international debut and they wanted to get it right. For years, prospects had approached the fast-growing domestic chain, offering to bring its largely college-oriented take-out concept abroad. But Wing Zone held out, seeking to maximize opportunities at home in a U.S. market that appeared plenty big enough to handle increasing demand for buffalo-style chicken wings. (Read More)