Wing It On!
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($35,000)
The Concept
Founded in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 2011 by Matt Ensero, Wing It On! is an American fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in Buffalo-style chicken wings. Its menu includes traditional and boneless wings, chicken tenders, sandwiches, boneless bites, loaded fries and sides. The brand differentiates itself through its house-made sauces and dips, including its award-winning Medium Traditional Buffalo sauce.
Wing It On! began franchising in 2014 and joined the Craveworthy Brands portfolio in 2023. Its restaurant model is designed around a relatively compact footprint, with dine-in, carryout and delivery options. The franchisor also promotes technology-enabled ordering, loyalty programs and virtual restaurant capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Wing It On! franchise?
According to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment ranges from $225,400 to $535,833 for a traditional restaurant. This includes the initial franchise fee of $35,000 and other startup costs such as leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, signage, inventory, insurance and working capital.
The largest variable expenses are real estate improvements, estimated at $65,000–$200,000, and equipment, furniture, fixtures and supplies, estimated at $78,000–$125,000. The final investment depends on the location, premises and restaurant configuration.
What are the franchise fees and ongoing costs?
The standard initial franchise fee is $35,000 for a single-unit franchise. The franchisor also offers multi-unit development opportunities, with additional units priced at $20,000 each according to its franchise website.
Franchisees pay a royalty of 6% of monthly gross revenue. The 2026 FDD also lists a 2.5% national marketing fund contribution and a 1.5% local marketing contribution. Together, these marketing contributions represent 4% of gross revenue. A monthly technology fee of $50 is also listed.
How much revenue can a Wing It On! franchise generate?
The 2026 FDD reports average annual sales of $574,418 and median annual sales of $656,401 for eight restaurants operating throughout 2025. The sample includes one affiliate-owned location, so it should not be interpreted as a pure franchisee-only average.
These figures represent restaurant revenue before operating expenses. They do not show how much a franchise owner earns after food costs, payroll, rent, royalties, marketing contributions, delivery fees and other expenses. Prospective franchisees should request the complete Item 19 disclosure and build their own financial projections.
How large is the Wing It On! franchise network?
The 2026 FDD reports 12 operating locations at year-end 2025: seven franchised restaurants and five company-owned units. These outlets were spread across seven states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.
There is also a major expansion initiative underway. On November 9, 2026, Craveworthy announced a definitive agreement to acquire New England Authentic Eats, the parent company of Papa Gino’s Pizzeria. Following the expected closing, Craveworthy plans to introduce Wing It On! at Papa Gino’s locations. The company says the brand could grow from 45 restaurants to more than 145 locations through this co-branding strategy. The transaction is expected to close by December 31, 2026, subject to customary conditions.
The 45-restaurant figure in the announcement is a newer company-reported footprint and is not directly comparable with the FDD’s year-end 2025 count of franchised and company-owned outlets. The planned Papa Gino’s locations should not yet be counted as operating Wing It On! restaurants.
What type of franchisee is Wing It On! looking for?
Wing It On! seeks single-unit owner-operators as well as experienced multi-unit restaurant operators. Its franchise website lists minimum financial qualifications of $150,000 in liquid capital and $500,000 in net worth. For multi-unit candidates, the company highlights experienced restaurant operators and skilled general managers, with a three-location minimum commitment.
The model may suit entrepreneurs interested in a focused quick-service restaurant with strong takeout and delivery potential. It is not a passive bar investment: the business requires operational oversight, food-quality management, staffing and local marketing. The franchisor promotes training, technology and support through the wider Craveworthy platform.
