Starting with Jim Weaver’s first store in Mishawaka, Wings Etc. Grill & Pub has grown to 80 locations nationwide.
In 1994, Weaver envisioned a family-friendly sports bar, offering big-screen TVs, great food, friendly service and cold beverages.
“Sports bars were just coming onto the scene,” Weaver said in a press release. “Chicken wings were just hitting the scene. My timing was right, and everything worked out very well.”
Within a few years, Weaver opened a second location in South Bend and a third in Elkhart. He partnered with Rob Hensmann and Eric Stuczynski to pursue franchise growth and open new corporate locations.
Today, over half of Wings Etc. locations are franchised. Technology has played a role in that growth. Wings Etc. now uses software for POS systems, inventory, finances, online ordering and third-party delivery.
“It’s a much different environment than it was in ’94,” Weaver said. “Everything was done manually back then. We didn’t have online ordering back then; you just walked in the store or called us, and we had it ready when you walked in the door.”
The near future holds a new restaurant concept with a smaller footprint focused on to-go orders.
“Our model now is 30 years old, so it’s taking some tweaking,” Weaver said. “Offer cheaper franchise entry fees and appeal to Generation Z or whoever it is that may be choosing to eat at home but still wants restaurant-style food.”
Weaver said he expects Wings Etc. to stand the test of time in the next 30 years.
“I’ll be 104. So, I may not be around,” he said. “I’m not kidding when I say I believe our intentions are to be around and to pass on to a younger generation, a legacy that they can build on, that we can leave to our families, that we are still a relevant restaurant operation, and that we will still be around and hopefully have many more locations than 80 units by then.”
Wings Etc. will host a birthday bash at participating locations on Aug. 28.
