Cincinnati — Wings and Rings, an 85-unit sports restaurant and bar franchise, continues to open new stores around the country; is implementing a new remodel program, the first of which was in Crestview Hills, Ky.; and is leveraging technology to streamline operational and back-of-house needs. The brand has also extended its development incentive program, with no franchise fee and no royalties for the first 6 months of operation.
Recently the brand opened a new-generation unit in Campbellsville, Ky. Additional openings are in the works in Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky and Mexico; the brand is targeting markets across the U.S. and Mexico with an emphasis on the Midwest, Texas and Florida.
Wings and Rings’ leadership also continues to implement new strategies that focus on brand strengths, technology and support to franchisees. Currently in testing at the Milford, Ohio, store, a new QR code-supported system streamlines the ordering process. Guests can be seated at a table near the bar area, scan a QR code, and browse the menu, order, request a server and pay their tab.
A new point-of-sale (POS) system has also been implemented and is being installed system-wide. Rather than using a traditional pen and pad, servers may use tablets. As they record guests’ orders, details are automatically sent back to the kitchen.
The brand is also in the process of testing new A.I., machine-learning and robotic technology to streamline cooking processes and assist from a staffing perspective.
“We’re always mindful of the investment franchisees make in Wings and Rings, and our development incentive and other technological improvements will certainly assist franchisees on that front,” says Michelle Gates, Wings and Rings’ franchise qualification specialist. “You hear it every day: people face challenges with staffing, and these new programs are going to help. We continue to evolve and make things better in the spirit of continuous improvement.”
In 2020, the brand began testing a G4 Wings and Rings prototype model with revamped construction, design and procedures. With a smaller footprint and updated interior design, the G4 model is meant to improve operations, reduce the initial investment and ongoing costs, and provide a fun, friendly environment for guests. There are numerous new G4 openings in process, and the brand has also launched a program to provide franchisees with prior-version stores the opportunity to remodel and share the new G4 look and operation.
With continued momentum and expansion, the brand has also extended the development incentive program, intended to assist franchisees with their initial investment and ramp-up phase. Available to both new and existing franchisees, for a limited time, the program waives the franchise fee entirely and requires no royalty payments for the first 6 months of operation.
Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings has 85 units across the globe. For more information, visit www.WingsandRings.com and www.OwnWingsandRings.com.
SOURCE: Wings and Rings