Detroit Wing Company Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Detroit Wing Company, established in 2015 in Eastpointe, Michigan, has quickly emerged as a standout franchise in the chicken wing market. Founded by Gus Malliaras, the brand emphasizes chef-crafted sauces and fresh, high-quality ingredients, differentiating itself from competitors that rely on pre-made sauces and processed foods.
With a menu featuring over 20 handcrafted sauces and a selection of freshly prepared sides, Detroit Wing Company is committed to delivering bold flavors and exceptional freshness. This focus on quality has been a cornerstone of its growing reputation.
Headquartered in Michigan, the franchise began expanding soon after its launch, leveraging streamlined operations and a dedication to excellence to drive rapid growth.
A key advantage of Detroit Wing Company lies in its simplified operations, requiring fewer staff members than many other quick-service restaurant (QSR) models, enabling consistent quality and efficiency.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Detroit Wing Company franchise? It costs on average between $506,000 – $662,000 to start a Detroit Wing Company franchised restaurant.
This includes expenses for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total investment varies based on factors such as the size and type of the Detroit Wing Company location, its geographic area, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Training Expenses | $3,200 to $15,000 |
| Real Estate/Rent | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Lease Review | $0 to $2,500 |
| Utility Deposits | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Real Estate/Building Improvements | $215,000 to $275,000 |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Equipment | $156,500 to $165,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Signage | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Professional Fees | $12,000 to $15,000 |
| Permits | $4,000 to $5,000 |
| Point of Sale System | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| Inventory Management Software | $402 to $1,404 |
| Low Voltage Package | $9,500 to $12,000 |
| Music | $155 to $200 |
| Restaurant Management Software & Tablet | $1,500 |
| Restaurant Operations Software | $197 |
| Branded Promotional Materials, and Uniforms | $3,000 to $3,500 |
| Inventory and Supplies | $16,500 to $18,500 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $0 to $10,000 |
| System Performance Review Program | $382 |
| Technology Fee | $600 |
| Additional Funds | $25,000 to $50,000 |
| Total | $506,436 to $662,283 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Detroit Wing Company franchise? A Detroit Wing Company franchised restaurant makes on average $1,662,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,705,000 yearly revenue for similar chicken franchises. Below are a few Detroit Wing Company competitors as a comparison:
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Detroit Wing Company Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Detroit Wing Company locations are there?
As of the latest data, Detroit Wing Company operates 30 locations across Michigan and Indiana. This includes both company-owned and franchise-owned establishments.
What is the total investment required to open a Detroit Wing Company franchise?
The total investment required to open a Detroit Wing Company franchise ranges from $506,000 to $662,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Detroit Wing Company franchise?
Detroit Wing Company franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 6% of their gross sales. Additionally, there is a national marketing fee set at 2% of gross sales, along with a local advertising requirement of 1%. These fees support the ongoing development and promotion of the brand, as well as provide continuous operational support to franchise owners.
What are the financial requirements to become a Detroit Wing Company franchisee?
To qualify as a Detroit Wing Company franchisee, candidates must have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and at least $170,000 in liquid capital.
These financial prerequisites ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to support the initial investment and ongoing operational expenses associated with establishing and managing a Detroit Wing Company restaurant.
How much can a Detroit Wing Company franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Detroit Wing Company franchise are approximately $1.66 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.66 million yearly revenue can result in $249,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Detroit Wing Company?
Detroit Wing Company is privately owned by its founder, Gus Malliaras. Malliaras established the company in 2015 and has overseen its growth and expansion into a successful franchise.
Disclaimer
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