Atomic Wings is preparing to make its Ohio debut with a new location near the Ohio State University campus, according to Columbus Business First.
The Buffalo-inspired chicken wing chain is heading to 2112 N. High St. in Schiff Real Estate Co.’s University Gateway North building, bringing its signature wings, sandwiches and sauces to one of Columbus’ busiest dining corridors.
WhatNow Columbus spoke to the franchise owner, Arpit Patel, who confirmed that the restaurant is targeting an opening ahead of the upcoming college football season, although the project is currently in the design and planning stages.
“We are expecting it to open before the college starts and football season begins,” Patel shared with What Now Columbus.
The Ohio State was a natural choice for the brand’s first location in the state.
“The best place to sell chicken wings and enjoy sports can only be OSU,” Patel said, noting that the campus location had always been part of the vision when pursuing the franchise opportunity.
Founded in 1989 by Buffalo native Adam Lippin, Atomic Wings has grown to more than 30 locations across 11 states. The brand is currently led by brothers Zak and Ray Omar, who acquired the company in 2014 and have overseen its expansion into markets across the country.
The upcoming Columbus restaurant will feature Atomic Wings’ signature fresh, never-frozen chicken wings paired with a selection of approximately 15 sauces ranging from sweet to intensely spicy. According to the franchise owner, the restaurant will also serve 100% halal chicken that is antibiotic- and hormone-free.
Guests can also expect a lineup of chicken sandwiches, including the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and the recently introduced Queso Sandwich, topped with jalapeños. Another menu item making its way to Columbus is the brand’s growing selection of flavored “dirty sodas.”
The restaurant is expected to offer a casual, sports-focused atmosphere with televisions throughout the space. At approximately 1,400 square feet, the location will primarily operate as a quick-service restaurant while still providing limited seating for guests.
“We ‘ll be able to serve everyone, whether they want something sweet or something really hot and spicy,” the businessman added.
The restaurant is expected to appeal to Ohio State students, faculty, staff and nearby residents. Ownership also plans to connect with the campus community through local involvement and sports-related partnerships.
In addition to bringing a new dining option to the area, the location is expected to create approximately 15 to 20 jobs, including management, kitchen and front-of-house positions.
The new restaurant follows the departure of Hummus Republic from the North High Street space. Jared Schiff, president and partner of Schiff Real Estate Co., previously told Columbus Business First that Atomic Wings had been seeking a campus-area location for some time.
Looking ahead, the franchise owner said additional Ohio locations could be considered if the Columbus restaurant is successful.
“We’ ll definitely think about other locations as well,” Patel said.
While an official opening date has not yet been announced, students and visitors in Columbus can look forward to a new destination for wings and casual dining near Ohio State University.
