Wings Etc
Wings Etc offers two formats: Grill and Pub restaurants and Wings 2 Go locations. Known for casual dining with wings as a signature dish, this franchise operates in the quick-service restaurant sector.
Wings Etc franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment for opening one restaurant is not specified in the excerpts. The FDD provides an estimate based on whether the building is in-line (non-free standing), but it does not give a comprehensive breakdown or fixed amount for the initial investment, including the development fee and other start-up costs. [p.18, p.41, p.19]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is a nonrefundable amount that must be paid upon signing the agreement. It covers three performance obligations: franchise license, site support, and training [p.71]. The exact amount is specified in the Data Sheet provided with the FDD [p.101].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The FDD does not specify the exact amount of ongoing royalty and advertising fees. However, it is noted that you will pay royalty and marketing fees as described in Item 6 [p.20], which includes expenses for advertising costs used to promote individual franchises. Additionally, a National Brand Fund Fee must be paid, which supports national marketing efforts [p.99].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement is for a term of 10 years [p.72]. You may renew this agreement once for an additional 10-year term, provided you meet certain conditions such as giving written notice at least six months but not more than twelve months before the end of the expiring term and paying a renewal fee equal to ten percent of the then-current initial franchise fee [p.89].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
Yes, you can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires approval from the franchisor. You must first offer to sell your interest to the franchisor before considering a third-party transfer. If the franchisor declines, then you may proceed with the third party under certain conditions and after providing written terms of the offer. Additionally, a transfer fee applies unless specific ownership changes are met within a three-year period. [p.108, p.109, p.6]
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement for good cause, which includes failure by the franchisee to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and failing to cure such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity (no more than 30 days). Additionally, in Virginia, termination without reasonable cause is unlawful. For franchises governed by Minnesota Franchise Law, immediate termination can occur due to voluntary abandonment, conviction related to the business, or failure to cure a default that materially impairs the franchisor's goodwill after receiving notice. [p.5, p.56, p.134]
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD mentions a requirement of having $45,000 in immediately accessible working capital at the time of opening [p.19], but it does not discuss net worth or any other specific financial qualifications for qualifying as a franchisee.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands that the company controls, both in your Development Area and at Special Sites [p.31, p.32].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training at their headquarters in Indiana or another designated location before the restaurant opens [p.31]. Ongoing training may be required for key management-level employees, which can include training at a designated facility or an in-restaurant program [p.98]. This ongoing support includes various expenses related to product and food research and development, marketing activities, and more [p.100].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
There were a total of 80 Wings Etc.® restaurants operating as of December 31, 2024, with 79 of them continuously operating for at least 12 months. This indicates that one outlet may have closed or been terminated by that date, but the exact number is not specified in the excerpts provided. [p.45]
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations other than providing actual records of an existing outlet if a franchisee is purchasing one. However, if you receive any other financial performance information or projections of your future income, you should report it to the franchisor's management and relevant regulatory agencies as specified [p.45].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are generally restricted from operating a similar business during the term of the franchise [p.3]. For supplies, you may have to buy or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than other options [p.3]. Specifically, for soft drinks and certain food items, you must purchase from Stanz Foodservice, Inc., unless your restaurant is outside their distribution area, in which case you can buy from another supplier on the Approved Suppliers list [p.20].