Wings Over

After six years in the Army National Guard, including a stint in Bosnia as an air traffic controller, Steve Moreira was ready to plant some roots and start his life as a civilian. He went back to school, earned his degree in operations management and accepted a job with Electronic Data Systems. However, it was his part-time job that drew him from the military to spark his true passion: owning a business.

“You have a lot of people depending on you in the military, so if you say you are going to do something, you’d better do it and do it right,” said Moreira, 30. “When I decided I wanted to open a business, I wanted to select a concept that put those values first. I worked at Wings Over while I was in college and found early on that it was exactly what I was looking for: a proven business model with an added emphasis on precision and quality.”

In January 2005, Moreira opened Wings Over Happy Valley in State College, Pa., the home of Joe Paterno and Penn State University. He provides hot, delicious food to local residents with a taste for something different.

VETREPRENEUR ASKS

What do you enjoy most about owning Wings Over Happy Valley?

A: I am still relatively new to the area, so being able to build relationships with my customers and other business owners in the area has helped me to feel more at home. It’s always difficult being the new kid on the block, but in this community the transition has been a breeze.

Do you plan to grow your business in the future?

A: Based on the response so far, I would love to open another location. I am not going to expand just for the sake of expansion, however; I want to make sure that everything is running as smoothly as possible in one location before opening a second in order to continue providing my customers with the signature service they’ve come to expect.

Has your military training helped you succeed in business ownership?

A: Definitely. I have always prided myself on my ability to really listen to what others have to say in order to achieve the best results. Now, instead of listening to orders to complete a mission, I am listening to what my customers want to make my business better.

Franchise Facts

Company: Wings Over

Franchise Headquarters: Agawam, Mass.

Phone:  (413) 789-8632

Web site: www.wingsover.com

Company Info: Wings Over is a franchised chain offering delivery and carryout of premium tenderloin boneless and traditional jumbo chicken wings in 22 distinctive flavors. Wings Over is the only franchise concept in its niche whose menu items are all cooked-to-order. Prompt, courteous delivery to homes and businesses is a primary focus, not a side business. Competition comes from national and regional chains as well as local restaurants.

Cost: Between $156,200 and $338,000, including a $20,000 franchise fee. The initial development fee for a developer is a minimum of $50,000, depending on the size of the development area. The royalty fee is 4 percent of gross sales paid monthly and Wings Over reserves the right to collect an additional 1 percent contribution to an advertising fund if it is established.

Fun Fact: The city or region where Wings Over restaurants are located is incorporated into the name, such as “Wings Over Washington, D.C.” and “Wings Over Fort Lauderdale” to connote local ownership of franchised locations and the concept’s reputation for being recognized as the “wing professionals” in that marketplace.

Written by Rhonda Sanderson