Wing It On!, the wing concept from Craveworthy Brands, doubled down in award count this year, at the National Buffalo Wing Festival (“Wing Fest,”) an event that draws more than 60,000 fans and dozens of competitors to Buffalo, New York every Labor Day weekend.
For the first time in the Brand’s history, Wing It On! placed in every single blind-tested competition category it entered, bringing home two first-place trophies for “America’s Best Sauce” in Medium Traditional Buffalo and the Savory category with its bold new Garlic Parm-fredo. It also secured second place in BBQ and third in Hot, strengthening its reputation as a top champion on the ultimate proving ground for wing fans.
Adding to the action, professional eater James Webb claimed the title in the Wing It On! U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship – a high-stakes showdown where competitors went head-to-head devouring its Traditional Medium Buffalo wings. The event brought the same electric energy and national prestige that fans know from the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
“Wing Fest is the title fight of our industry,” said Matt Ensero, co-founder and brand president of Wing It On!. “Stepping into that ring and winning shows that even spirited underdogs like us, who pour our heart, soul and grit into our systems, recipes and people, can go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights.”
Wing It On! is redefining the buffalo wing experience with its ultimate trifecta: perfectly crispy wings, bold sauces and house-made dips. Its menu also features chicken sandwiches, tenders, wraps and craveworthy sides, crafted to deliver across dine-in, takeout, catering and third-party channels.
The Brand stands out as one of the only wing franchise concepts to consistently win in Buffalo. This recognition reinforces the quality of its menu while elevating its profile as an emerging franchise brand. With a streamlined operations model, low build-out costs and multiple revenue streams, Wing It On! offers franchise partners a scalable opportunity in a staple restaurant category.
“Winning nearly twice as many awards at the most competitive event in the wing world speaks volumes about what we’re building,” added Sam Stanovich, SVP of franchise development. “For our fans, it’s a victory that validates the bold flavors they crave every day. For our franchise partners, it’s proof they’re backing a brand with championship-level food and a winning playbook built for growth.”
Wing It On! is expanding nationwide, with franchise opportunities available in key markets, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. With a focus on the Northeast region, where wing nuts demand truly authentic buffalo-style flavor, Wing It On! sees its recent victory in the epicenter of wings, as proof it can not only compete but dominate. By winning on this revered stage, the Brand is confident in its ability to expand and thrive across the “wing belt” of the U.S.
Franchise partners gain access to a brand built on integrity, innovation and guest loyalty, serving not only award-winning wings but also a powerful support system designed to drive sustainable growth. The program is open to experienced restaurant entrepreneurs, multi-unit franchise partners and qualified, dedicated owner-operators who want to be part of a value-driven brand that connects with today’s consumer.