Wing Zone Soars With Winning Combination of Best Products, Best Practices

Just as Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins created a Franchise empire in the 1950s with 31 flavors of ice cream, entrepreneurs Matt Friedman and Adam Scott are fast earning similar fame in the 21st Century ? with 25 flavors of Buffalo wings and a winning recipe for one of the "hottest" and most unique takeout and delivery franchise concepts in the nation.

"Wing Zone^® is a valuable, up-and-coming Restaurant chain that is truly unique - our concept has never been duplicated," said Scott, who in 1991 co-founded Wing Zone with friend/fraternity brother Matt Friedman as students at the University of Florida. "There are a lot of wing joints, but none that have 25 flavors who deliver right to your door, and none with Jumbo wings that compare in size or taste of ours. We're expanding into new territories, co-branding and being approached by multi-unit investors all over the country. It's an exciting time."

So exciting, in fact, that the pair recently recruited seasoned Franchising industry veteran Stan Friedman (no relation to Matt) to help them carefully plot and manage franchise development, franchise relations and marketing strategies for their fast-growing chain. With Friedman on board, Wing Zone is gearing up for a record number of store openings in 2003, projecting to add at least 20 units, bringing the total number of Wing Zone locations to more than 55.

"Wing Zone has all the right pieces in the right place for astronomical success," said Stan Friedman, who has served in high-ranking positions with such franchise industry giants as Blimpie International, WSI Internet, and Cendant, the world's largest hotel and real estate brokerage franchisor. "The founders are great guys with a keen business sense. Their products are of the finest quality, and their concept fulfills the need for a fresh alternative in food delivery and home meal replacement. It?s got everything going for it."

Graduating with wings
Adam Scott and Matt Friedman started Wing Zone in 1991 while attending the University of Florida. The ambitious duo realized the need for more food delivery options for fellow college students other than pizza, and also saw a golden opportunity to start their own business. Within a few years of perfecting their special sauces and techniques for wing preparation in their frat house kitchen, their takeout and delivery concept had six corporate locations. They graduated with degrees in real-world business experience, and began franchising in 1999.

"Matt and Adam started eating wings because they loved them, and now they have successfully built a franchise concept that satisfies their pallets, as well as their appetites for the business end of things," Stan Friedman said. "They now have over 10 years of operational experience, and with my wider breadth of franchising knowledge, we are now building depth and dimension. It's no longer just operating a business. Together, we're growing a franchise."

Wing Zone has capitalized on food industry market trends, while never forgetting its college town roots. In addition to its first location near the University of Florida, Wing Zone stores also flourish near more than 22 universities throughout the United States. In addition, Wing Zone is expanding into markets near military bases, major hospitals and other dense urban/suburban areas.

Today, Wing Zone stores currently operate in 15 states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Louisiana, Colorado, Washington and now Nebraska. Its extensive menu offers 25 unique flavors of fresh, cooked-to-order wings, including favorites such as nuclear, honey garlic, lemon pepper, Cajun, garlic parmesan, spicy BBQ, honey mustard, ranch and nuclear honey teriyaki. In addition, Wing Zone offers salads, grilled sandwiches and a variety of appetizers such as; chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, battered mushrooms, onion rings and cheese fries.

Low Overhead, `Hot' Market
Wing Zone offers a low-investment Franchise Opportunity with a simple operating system. Although famous for its award-winning 25 flavors of dipping sauces, each location actually cooks only nine food items. In addition, with a focus on takeout and delivery and no sit-down service, Wing Zone minimizes much of the capital investment needed for furniture and fixtures, payroll and staffing, Friedman said. In addition, Wing Zone operates in 1,000-1,200 square-foot stores, which translates into lower lease rates and reduced utility costs. Total investment ranges from $139,500 to $199,500; $50,000-$75,000 initial liquid capital is required.

Currently a $126 billion industry, the take out/delivery segment is projected to hit $200 billion in the next five years. Even more, food industry researchers report that 60 percent of the total food industry growth in the next 10 years will be in the take-out segment, and that take out and delivery is expected to grow to 50 percent of all food dollars spent away from home. According to National Restaurant Association "Takeout Trends 2000", 52 percent of meals are taken out or delivered from mid-priced restaurants.

Jumbo-Sized Support
Wing Zone franchisees benefit from a national food procurement contract, equipment package, insurance, advertising and marketing programs. In addition, franchisees receive extensive training at corporate headquarters and on site before opening their doors. Corporate also provides ongoing consultation and marketing support.

"This is truly a fun concept to get into and operate," Matt Friedman said. "Our products are festive in nature - our customers come to us in good spirits because they're usually celebrating, getting together with friends, or just wanting to enjoy a delicious hot meal with their family. Our operators and managers reciprocate with smiles and great service."

About the Wing Zone
Wing Zone's extensive menu offers 25 unique flavors of fresh, cooked-to-order wings, including favorites such as nuclear, honey garlic, lemon pepper, Cajun, garlic parmesan, spicy BBQ, honey mustard, ranch and nuclear honey teriyaki. In addition, Wing Zone offers salads, grilled sandwiches and a variety of appetizers such as; chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, battered mushrooms, onion rings and cheese fries.