ATLANTA, Ga. — Just as Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins created a franchise empire in the 1950s with 31 flavors of ice cream, entrepreneurs Matt Friedman and Adam Scott are fast earning similar fame in the 21st Century - with 25 flavors of Buffalo wings and a winning recipe for one of the "hottest" and most unique takeout and delivery franchise concepts in the nation, with a growing presence in the minority business community.

"Wing Zone® is a valuable, up-and-coming restaurant chain that is truly unique - our concept has never been duplicated," said Scott, who in 1991 co-founded Wing Zone with friend/fraternity brother Matt Friedman as students at the University of Florida. "There are a lot of wing joints, but none that have 25 flavors delivered right to your door that tempt virtually any taste bud. Wing Zone's quality products and wide array of sauces make us an appetizing investment for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to open businesses that can be successful in diverse markets."

In fact, to help ensure that Wing Zone continues to grow its base of franchisees, last year, Friedman and Scott brought on a third partner, franchising industry veteran Stan Friedman (no relation to Matt) to help them carefully plot and manage franchise development and continue the growth of their already diverse franchise system. With Stan Friedman on board, Wing Zone's measured growth has seen the opening of more than 20 units in 2003 with an ever expanding ratio of minority franchisees joining the system.

Friedman, who has been involved with the International Franchise Association's (IFA) Minorities in Franchising (MIF) Committee for the last seven years, passionately and proactively seeks out minority interest in Wing Zone and franchising in general.
"My goal as a member of the MIF Committee is to raise awareness of the economic importance of bringing minorities and franchising together," said Friedman, who has previously served in high-ranking positions with such franchise industry giants as Blimpie International and Cendant, the world's largest franchisor of brands. "As franchisees, minorities have the opportunity to live out their entrepreneurial dreams, build wealth, create jobs and introduce Wing Zone's signature 25 flavors of Buffalo wings to new and emerging markets."

Graduating with Wings

Adam Scott and Matt Friedman started Wing Zone in 1991 while attending the University of Florida. The ambitious duo realized the need for more food delivery options for fellow college students other than pizza, and also saw a golden opportunity to start their own business. Within a few years of perfecting their special sauces and techniques for wing preparation in their frat house kitchen, their takeout and delivery concept had six corporate locations. They graduated with degrees in real-world business experience, and began franchising in 1999.

"Matt and Adam started eating wings because they loved them, and now they have successfully built a franchise concept that satisfies their palettes, as well as their appetites for the business end of things," Stan Friedman said. "Their twelve plus years of operational experience combined with my breadth of franchising experience and a knowledge of the important roles that minorities can play in our business, adds depth and dimension to our growing brand and franchise system."

Wing Zone continues to capitalize on food industry market trends, while never forgetting its college town roots. In addition to its first location near the University of Florida, Wing Zone stores also flourish near more than 22 universities throughout the United States. Wing Zone is also expanding into markets near military bases, major hospitals and other dense urban/suburban areas.

"Wing Zone's unique business model and innovative menu offerings help our franchisees thrive in any urban or suburban market. "The more diversity we bring into our system, the more we will grow and succeed," Friedman said.

Today, Wing Zone stores currently operate in 20 states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Louisiana, Colorado, Washington, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois and Michigan. Its extensive menu offers 25 unique flavors of fresh, cooked-to-order wings, including favorites such as nuclear, honey garlic, lemon pepper, cajun, garlic parmesan, spicy BBQ, honey mustard, ranch and nuclear honey teriyaki. In addition, Wing Zone offers salads, grilled sandwiches, a char-broiled, 8 oz. burger and a variety of appetizers such as; chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, battered mushrooms, onion rings and cheese fries.

Low Overhead, "Hot" Market

Wing Zone offers a low-investment franchise opportunity with a simple operating system. Although famous for its award-winning 25 flavors of dipping sauces, each location actually cooks only nine food items. In addition, with a focus on takeout and delivery and no sit-down service, Wing Zone minimizes much of the capital investment needed for furniture and fixtures, payroll and staffing, Friedman said.

In addition, Wing Zone operates in 1,000-1,200 square-foot stores, which translates into lower lease rates and reduced utility costs. Total investment ranges from $144,500 to $209,500; $60,000-$75,000 initial liquid capital is required.

Currently a $126 billion industry, the take out/delivery segment is projected to hit $200 billion in the next five years. Even more, food industry researchers report that 60 percent of the total food industry growth in the next 10 years will be in the take-out segment, and that take out and delivery is expected to grow to 50 percent of all food dollars spent away from home. According to National Restaurant Association "Takeout Trends 2000", 52 percent of meals are taken out or delivered from mid-priced restaurants.

Jumbo-Sized Support

Wing Zone franchisees benefit from a national food procurement contract, equipment package, insurance, advertising and marketing programs. In addition, franchisees receive extensive training at corporate headquarters and on site before opening their doors. Corporate also provides ongoing consultation and marketing support.

"This is truly a fun concept to get into and operate," Matt Friedman said. "Our products are festive in nature - our customers come to us in good spirits because they're usually celebrating, getting together with friends, or just wanting to enjoy a delicious hot meal with their family. Our operators and managers reciprocate with smiles and great service."

Wing Zone is rapidly expanding, with some 60 units currently operating and will have more than 100 open in the next 12 months. Wing Zone was rated a Top 20 New Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine (Jan. 2004) and was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in America. The chain was awarded Most Creative Wing Sauce in America at the second annual National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY, and was recently featured on the Food Network's prime time series, "Roker on the Road."

Wing Zone's mission is to provide every customer with great food and quality service, to promote the success of its existing franchise owners with exceptional ongoing training and support. For franchise information, call (877) 333-WING (9464) or visit www.wingzone.com.