East Coast Wings Announces Franchise Expansion in North Carolina

East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G) is set to expand in North Carolina with the opening of a new restaurant in the Piedmont area, aimed for completion in the second quarter of 2027. This expansion is spearheaded by Brent and Sherry Weaver, who are among the brand's early franchisees, having previously established multiple locations in the state, including in Winston-Salem and Mt. Airy.

The Weavers, long-time residents of Davidson County and current residents of Lexington, have expressed commitment to enhancing the dining landscape in the Piedmont area, which they believe lacks full-service wing options. Brent Weaver highlighted the couple's journey with ECW+G, stating, “East Coast Wings + Grill has been a large part of our life... We knew we were the ones to expand it.” Their vision includes not merely a new restaurant but a retail center where the ECW+G location serves as the primary anchor.

Significantly, the Weavers are planning a generational transition for the business to their son, Andrew, ensuring that their investment remains community-focused. This expansion comes at a time when North Carolina has been identified as a top franchise growth market according to the International Franchise Association.

The Weavers’ approach to the new location is unique in that they are developing the site from the ground up and will own the real estate, positioning themselves as their own landlords. This strategic move reflects their long-term investment in the brand and in local real estate, leveraging insights from ECW+G's CEO, Sam Ballas, who emphasizes the importance of unit-level economics. Ballas noted, “The Weavers’ desire to become their own landlords is exactly what we mean when we talk about unit level economics.” This partnership model provides franchise owners with the opportunity to transform their restaurant operations into real estate investments.

The project signals a healthy growth trajectory for ECW+G as it continues to attract experienced multi-unit operators who are committed to building wealth through strategic ownership structures. Moving forward, attention will be focused on the brand's ability to maintain this expansion momentum through upcoming quarters, particularly how quickly the development proceeds toward its targeted opening date.