SOUTH BEND, IN — Wings Etc. Grill & Pub is thrilled to mark not only 30 years in business this year, but also 30 years atop the Best Wings category in the annual South Bend Community’s Choice Awards, sponsored by the South Bend Tribune.
Both landmarks are deeply meaningful to founder Jim Weaver, who opened his first Wings Etc. restaurant in 1994 in Mishawaka, Indiana, followed by a second in South Bend. And he doesn’t take any of it for granted.
“Even after 30 years, I feel a certain amount of anxiety surrounding the outcome of the Community’s Choice Awards. It’s more than bragging rights to us. After all, it’s the community at large doing the voting,” Weaver said. “It’s an affirmation of our team’s efforts and of our brand’s existence. Like they say, everyone needs a pat on the back now and then. This is our once-a-year pat on the back, and we take significant pride in the recognition.”
Each year, the South Bend Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 450 businesses and organizations. Candidates are nominated by the public beginning in May; the five with the most nominations in each category move to the voting round. The public votes for their top choices in July, and the businesses and organizations with the most votes in each category are announced at a gala on October 1.
Weaver attributes the honor to the brand’s willingness to innovate with “Big Flavor” — the ever-evolving menu now includes 22 signature rubs and sauces — as well as Wings Etc.’s commitment to sourcing the best-tasting chicken possible.
“We serve a quality product true to the original Buffalo-style recipe: a fresh, never frozen, unbattered jumbo wing slathered in sauce. That’s a hard combination to beat for the true wings fan,” Weaver said. “Thankfully, people recognize that.”
Further, Weaver knows the value of great customer service and the importance of maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at the family friendly sports bar. Community has always been a priority for Weaver; it’s why he has been contributing to local fundraisers, sports teams and causes since he opened his doors 30 years ago.
“The South Bend community, in fact the entire Michiana area, has supported me, supported my family and supported my employees and their families since 1994. That’s a long time. As such, I owe them big time for allowing me to fulfill my dream of business ownership. It’s been my privilege to open our doors every day,” Weaver said.
While Wings Etc. has expanded to 81 locations across the Midwest and South — the newest franchise location is in Vincennes, Indiana with the next one coming to La Porte, Texas — the company maintains nine locations in the Michiana area, including two locations in South Bend and the original location in Mishawaka, and that will always be home for Weaver.
“Thank you, South Bend,” he said. “We’ve built something to be proud of.”
