Not all chicken wings are created equally. Some are too soggy, others are too dry.
Wing Snob, a burgeoning Sterling Heights-based franchise gaining traction in the national market, has spent the past six years working to perfect the art of frying up flavorsome flats and drums.
Franchisees Chintan Patel and Prakash Chauhari plan to open a new spot at the Northridge Commons strip mall this summer. Last month, the duo leased a 1,320 square-foot, multi-unit suite at 33523 8 Mile Road in Livonia, according to property records.
Wing Snob co-founder Jack Mashini said the target date to open is mid-July.
“We’re really trying to make it a household name,” he said of the brand. “We’re growing and growing fast.”
Wing Snob only serves fresh, never frozen made-to-order wings that are marinaded in-house with unique rubs and sauces. Their offerings include traditional and boneless wings, cauliflower wings for non-meat eaters, 21 different fry options, along with sides and desserts like sweet cornbread, cheesecake and coleslaw. The menu also boast 16 different sauces like buffalo parmesan, “snobby q,” buffalo lemon pepper, chicken and waffles and “hot AF” for the spicy wing lovers.
Last year, Wing Snob inked a four-year deal with Patel and Chauhari, their biggest franchisees, who signed on to bring 25 more of the gourmet wing-specialty eateries to the state. The Northridge Commons location represents the seventh they’ve opened as part of that partnership. It’s Livonia’s second Wing Snob – one is already open about six miles south on Five Mile Road.
Wing Snob was birthed by Mashini and Brian Shunia in 2017. The two teamed up to develop the concept of a chain restaurant that makes franchising more affordable for entrepreneurs.
They’ve steadily increased their footprint to over 30 locations in Michigan, and a presence in Ohio and three different markets in Texas.
A fourth Canadian Wing Snob opened Monday and a new Allen Park store at 16930 Southfield Road celebrated its grand opening Tuesday.
More Wing Snobs are under construction in Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida. Mashini expects to have 50 locations up and running by the end of the year.
“The momentum is there,” he said. “We’re the new, cool brand on the block in the chicken wing space and people are accepting it very well. It’s definitely satisfying to see how many customers and franchisees are interested in visiting or even opening a Wing Snob location.”
