Atlanta-Based Wing Zone Among 30 Restaurants Selected to Participate in National Buffalo Wing Festival: Takeout & Delivery Chain Earns Peer Respect for 25 Flavors of Jumbo Wings, Quality Service

Atlanta, Ga. - Wing Zone, one of the nation’s fastest-growing takeout & delivery chains with 25 flavors of fresh, cooked-to-order Jumbo Buffalo wings, has been chosen among an extensive field of competitors to participate in the Second Annual National Buffalo Wing Festival, to be held Aug. 29, 30 and 31, 2003 in Buffalo, NY.

"We’re honored to participate in such a prestigious national event,” said Adam Scott, who in 1991 co-founded Wing Zone with friend/fraternity brother Matt Friedman as students at the University of Florida. “It’s such an exciting time for us. We’re franchising new territories, and opening stores in more than 15 states throughout the country. The festival invitation is the icing on the cake.”

The National Buffalo Wing Festival was held for the first time last year at Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo, N.Y., featuring more than 30 restaurants noted for the nation’s best Buffalo wings. The idea for the festival sprang up last year when the movie, "Osmosis Jones," with Bill Murray, featured a fictional festival. When a local newspaper columnist who saw the movie questioned why no such real event exits, food promoter Drew Cerza of RMI Promotions capitalized on the idea with the motto, “Duh! Why not a National Wing Festival?”

Although Wing Zone moved its headquarters to Atlanta in 1998, it originated in Florida, where its original location still attracts a strong following. That's why festival organizers chose the chain to represent the state of Florida at the national event.

"We chose Wing Zone to represent Florida because of the great things their customers say about the quality of their wings and the convenience of their takeout and delivery service, and the fact that offer 25 flavors of fresh, delicious Jumbo wings,” Cerza said. “We only invite the best-of the-best, and Wing Zone has an excellent reputation.”

Wing Zone, which is expected to have more than 55 units in the United States by the end of 2003, recently recruited restaurant franchising expert Stan Friedman as Executive Vice President. With Friedman on board, Wing Zone is gearing up for a record number of store openings, projecting to add at least 20 units this year alone.

About Wing Zone

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 finance, coupled with real-world business experience, and began franchising in 1999.

Wing Zone has capitalized 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. In addition, Wing Zone has successfully launched the next phase of its expansion, bringing the brand into markets near military bases, major hospitals and other dense urban/suburban areas.  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.

Wing Zone also offers salads, grilled sandwiches and a variety of appetizers such as chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, battered mushrooms, onion rings and cheese fries.

Contact:
Debra Vilchis
Fishman Public Relations

(847) 945-1300, ext. 227
dvilchis@fishmanpr.com