East Coast Wings + Grill Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
East Coast Wings + Grill was established in 1995 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, starting out as a small neighborhood sports bar before transforming into a full-service restaurant known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
The company entered the franchising space in 2004 under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Sam Ballas. From its headquarters in Winston-Salem, the brand has steadily grown and now operates more than 60 restaurants across the country.
While the chain is best known for its buffalo wings, the menu is extensive, offering guests over 60 flavors and seven levels of heat. With more than 420 possible wing combinations, along with burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and appetizers, East Coast Wings + Grill appeals to a wide range of diners.
What distinguishes the franchise is its focus on “Driven by Unit Level Economics®,” a guiding principle designed to prioritize franchisee profitability and operational excellence, setting it apart from many other restaurant concepts.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a East Coast Wings + Grill franchise? It costs on average between $408,000 – $1,233,000 to start a East Coast Wings + Grill franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as restaurant build-out, kitchen equipment, furnishings, opening inventory, and early operating costs. The total required amount can vary based on several factors, including the size and design of the restaurant, the market and location selected, and whether the property is leased or purchased by the franchisee.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $40,000 |
| Inventory | $9,000 – $23,020 |
| Pre-Opening Inventory Package | $750 – $1,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $174,768 – $700,000 |
| Lease-Related Payments – 3 Months | $7,000 – $12,500 |
| Architecture/Project Management | $0 – $19,875 |
| Professional Fees | $0 – $10,000 |
| Signage | $5,500 – $23,000 |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $17,200 – $45,000 |
| Equipment & Smallwares | $100,000 – $233,000 |
| Artwork & Décor | $4,500 – $10,000 |
| POS Computer System | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Video Surveillance / Audio-Visual / Music & Entertainment System | $2,450 – $29,000 |
| Deposits | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Technology Fee | $1,200 – $2,400 |
| Expenses Associated with Initial Training | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Fund Contribution — 3 Months | $2,450 – $12,000 |
| Initial Marketing Expense | $7,500 – $10,000 |
| Government Permits | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Additional Funds — 3 Months | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Royalty – 3 Months | $14,550 – $14,550 |
| Total | $408,368 – $1,232,845 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a East Coast Wings + Grill franchise? A East Coast Wings + Grill franchised restaurant makes on average $1,802,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
East Coast Wings + Grill Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a East Coast Wings + Grill franchise?
Most franchise buyers in East Coast Wings + Grills investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a East Coast Wings + Grill franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns East Coast Wings + Grill?
The East Coast Wings + Grill franchise is owned by East Coast Wings Corporation, a private company.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026
Disclaimer
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Research East Coast Wings Grill franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → East Coast Wings Grill FDD Review.
