In addition to an annual percentage increase of 10.15% over 2011 and opening three restaurants in 2012, the North Carolina-based chain signed eight new development deals for a total of 42 locations nationwide. With more than 100 locations currently in development, East Coast Wings & Grill expects to open 12 additional locations by the end of the year.
“We are excited about the growth the brand experienced this past year,” said Sam Ballas, CEO of East Coast Wings & Grill. “With average Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) per location at 19.1 percent in 2011, and positive same-store sales for the 36th consecutive quarter, we continue to be contacted by savvy multi-unit operators and investors who realize that this type of profitability is not common in the casual restaurant segment. This is why we continue to lead the buffalo wing segment in profitability and franchisee satisfaction.”
New restaurants are scheduled to open in 2013 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
With a focus on great-tasting, freshly prepared food for families, rather than alcohol (alcohol sales attribute for less than 11 percent of total sales), the burgeoning brand creates a warm and inviting décor that leaves customers feeling a sense of community. And while its 75 flavors and 675 combinations of buffalo style wings remain a staple of the concept, East Coast Wings & Grill’s six-page menu also includes such casual dining fare as burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
“We are confident in the capabilities of the experienced multi-unit developers that we have recruited, and they have signed for an additional 42 new locations over the next several years,” said Ballas continued. “We currently have eight restaurants under real estate development, and are searching for sites for several others that will open in 2013.”
To augment the market’s growth, East Coast Wings & Grill is seeking additional multi-unit franchisees to further develop the company’s network of restaurants, including a university model store, throughout the nation. The average cost to open an East Coast Wings & Grill is between $241,550 and $656,640, with a franchise fee of $30,000.
For more information on East Coast Wings & Grill, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
East Coast Wings & Grill, a fast growing casual dining chicken wing franchise, has 24 locations in North Carolina and has signed agreements to add 85 new restaurants across the country within the next several years. The franchise concept not only caters to the chicken wing lover by offering 75 different flavors of chicken wings in any of nine heat intensities, but also salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and more, all using fresh, not frozen ingredients. To learn more about the franchise concept or about exciting franchise opportunities please visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com for more information.
