In 1991 Matt Friedman and Adam Scott, looking for an alternative to pizza, launched a fast-service concept from their University of Florida fraternity house kitchen that has spread globally. Wing Zone, geared to college students, focuses on takeout and delivery, with most units open from 11a.m. until midnight or later. Besides signature wings, sold in counts of five, seven, 10, 15 and up, the menu features half-pound burgers, shrimp, grilled chicken sandwiches and beer-battered onion rings. The larger an order, the more flavors (as the 17 sauces are called) offered. Major expansion of Wing Zone came in 2000 through franchising by the parent company, WZ Franchise Corp. There are now about 80 locations in seven countries. Wing Zone has a partnership with the U.S. Army and Air Force.

LocationAtlanta, Ga.
2012 Systemwide Sales ($000)$37,500,000*
YOY Sales Change4.2%
2012 U.S. Units68
2012 Average Unit Volume ($000)$595,000*
Future 50 Year2013

*Technomic estimate

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