Wing Snob Franchise Costs, Fees & Owner Salary (2023)

Wing Snob was founded in December 2017 in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, Michigan, by Brian Shunia and his co-founder Jack Mashini. The headquarters are located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The company began franchising in October 2018, shortly after opening its original corporate store​​. Wing Snob is a modern, quick-service, fast-casual restaurant known for its commitment to serving high-quality, fresh chicken wings. 

With a menu that includes a variety of unique sauces and rubs, Wing Snob has positioned itself as a destination for wing aficionados seeking premium, hormone-free chicken options that stand out from the competition. The brand prides itself on its ability to satisfy even the most discerning wing enthusiasts with its mouthwatering flavors and signature sauces​​.

The franchise model for Wing Snob presents an attractive opportunity for potential franchisees, emphasizing its strong growth, significant average unit volumes, and the support provided to franchise owners. With initial investment requirements positioned competitively within the fast-casual industry, Wing Snob offers a compelling case for those looking to enter the restaurant sector with a proven, scalable concept​​.

Wing Snob's differentiation lies in its award-winning chicken wings, recognized as the best in Metro Detroit since 2020, and its franchise model emphasizing ease of operation, comprehensive training through Wing Snob University, and ongoing support. This approach not only facilitates entry for new franchisees but also supports their success and growth within the brand​.

Initial Franchise Fee

The initial franchise fee for a single Wing Snob restaurant is $30,000, payable in a lump sum upon signing the Franchise Agreement. This fee is uniform, non-refundable, and fully earned by Wing Snob upon receipt.

Royalty Fee

Franchisees are required to pay a Royalty Fee of 6% of Gross Sales, due every Tuesday for the Gross Sales from the previous week. This fee is a continuing obligation for the right to use the Wing Snob System and Marks.

Advertising Fund Contribution

An Advertising Fund Contribution of 1% of Gross Sales is due every Tuesday, corresponding with the Royalty Fee payment schedule. This contribution supports collective marketing efforts for the franchise network.

Local Advertising

Franchisees must spend 1% of Gross Sales each month on local marketing efforts. Failure to meet this requirement may result in franchisees being required to pay the under-spent amount to Wing Snob for allocation through the Advertising Fund.

Management Fee

A Management Fee may be charged in certain circumstances, such as following the managing owner's death or disability or in cases of default or abandonment. This fee includes Wing Snob's expenses plus an administrative fee of 10% of Gross Sales.

Transfer Fee

Upon the transfer of a franchise, a Transfer Fee of $10,000 or $5,000 (if sold to an existing franchisee) is due. This fee is payable at the time of transfer and is non-refundable.

Technology Fee

Franchisees must pay a Technology Fee, currently set at $169 per month, to cover costs associated with maintaining the technology used for online ordering, mobile applications, email marketing, and the Snob Perks loyalty program. This fee is subject to change based on vendor pricing and additional technology added to the System.

Wing Snob offers a detailed Training Program for franchise owners or their designated managers. 

Initial Training Program

This training takes place at Wing Snob's headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, online, or at the franchisee's restaurant location. The program covers essential aspects of running a Wing Snob restaurant and must be completed to the franchisor's satisfaction before the restaurant's opening. Failure to complete the training satisfactorily may result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement.

Ongoing Support and Assistance

Wing Snob provides ongoing support and assistance to franchisees, including general guidance through various communication methods. Before the restaurant opening and throughout the term of the agreement, franchisees receive support to ensure the successful operation of their franchise.

Qualified Replacement Training

If a franchisee's Designated Owner or Manager ceases active management, their replacement must attend and successfully complete the Initial Training Program within a specified timeframe. Wing Snob emphasizes the importance of having qualified personnel manage the franchise.

Refresher Training

Wing Snob may require franchisees or their managers to attend refresher courses if significant time has passed since the initial training or if there have been changes to the training program or system.

Wing Snob provides franchisees with a "Designated Territory," which typically encompasses a four-mile radius around the franchise location. However, this area can be adjusted based on various factors such as demographics, market demand, and the presence of other businesses, potentially resulting in smaller territories, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Franchisees have the right, but not the obligation, to provide catering and third-party delivery services within their Designated Territory. They must adhere to the franchise's standards and guidelines when offering these services. Apart from these specific services, franchisees are restricted from operating or soliciting business outside their Designated Territory without prior written consent from Wing Snob.

While franchisees receive a Designated Territory, Wing Snob does not offer exclusive territories. Franchisees may face competition from other Wing Snob franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels, even within their Designated Territory. The franchise agreement does not restrict Wing Snob or its affiliates from selling similar products or services through different trademarks or channels within the franchisee's Designated Territory.

Wing Snob requires franchisees to personally supervise the operation of their restaurant unless they have received written permission from the franchisor to do otherwise. Franchisees must dedicate the necessary time and effort for the proper and effective operation of their restaurant. In the case of multiple restaurant operations, this extends to all locations owned by the franchisee.

For entities such as corporations, partnerships, or limited liability companies, an individual owner must act as the "Designated Owner." This individual, who must be approved by Wing Snob, is required to own or have the right to own and control at least a 10% interest in the franchise entity.

This Designated Owner is responsible for all communications and operational decisions regarding the restaurant and must have completed the initial training program to the franchisor's satisfaction.