East Coast Wings Targets Greater Memphis Expansion Following Bartlett Success

A North Carolina-based wing joint is set to expand its footprint in the greater Memphis area. With an established location in Bartlett, East Coast Wings + Grill is actively scouting for franchisees and considering potential sites in Germantown and near the University of Memphis , as well as in Southaven and Olive Branch .

In a recent conversation with the Memphis Business Journal , Senior Vice President Mark Lyso highlighted the company’s unique market entry strategy. They prefer locations near Lowe’s and Home Depot, as these stores generate significant foot traffic. “That drives people in. If it’s a big-box retail center that has synergy, that makes sense for us,” he said.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Sam Ballas , who began franchising in 2004, East Coast Wings has grown to around 50 locations nationwide. With over 58 flavors and eight heat indexes to choose from, the family-friendly franchise prides itself on serving “super high quality, never-frozen, mixed-to-order chicken wings.”

Beyond its diverse wing offerings, East Coast Wings presents a menu featuring wraps, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, burgers, and flatbreads. Patrons can also enjoy an assortment of appetizers such as chicken nachos, street corn cobettes, and fried pickle chips.

Given the restaurant’s established local presence, Lyso highlighted the regional expansion as a logical next step. The focus now lies on recruiting franchisees and securing suitable real estate.

Those interested in exploring franchising opportunities with East Coast Wings + Grill can find more details on the eatery’s franchising page .

Keep up with What Now Memphis’s restaurant, retail, and real estate scoop by subscribing to our newsletter , liking us on Facebook , and following us on Twitter . Opening a restaurant? Browse our Preferred Partners .