Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Wings Etc. Grill & Pub made its Virginia debut Sept. 23, with franchisees Dr. Justin and Christy Lindsey hosting a grand opening at their new location at 260 Wildwood Road in Salem.
The 4,500-square-foot restaurant includes a pickup window for online orders, a patio, family dining and a full-service bar. Wings Etc.’s menu is available for dine-in, carryout and third-party delivery, featuring its signature jumbo wings, 22 sauces and rubs, chicken sandwiches, double burgers, fresh-made salads, wraps, appetizers, seafood, kids’ meals and more.
The beverage program features more than 20 beers on tap, as well as bottles, cans from local breweries and signature cocktails. The restaurant offers daily food and drink specials and weekday lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To celebrate the opening, the first 50 dine-in guests ages 18 and up received free wings for a year.
The Lindseys, who employ between 50 and 70 people at the Salem location, discovered Wings Etc. while Justin Lindsey was working in Ohio during the pandemic. They said they were drawn to the brand’s food, atmosphere and community-focused approach.
“We fell in love with the food and atmosphere during our first visit to Wings Etc. in Ohio,” Justin Lindsey said. “From the start, we knew this was a concept that would be a perfect fit for Salem. With the excitement we’ve already seen from the community, we’re thrilled to bring Wings Etc. to Virginia and can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”
Wings Etc. CEO Rob Hensmann praised the couple’s leadership.
“Wings Etc. has built a strong reputation for Big Flavor and a welcoming atmosphere, and Justin and Christy Lindsey are the perfect franchisees to introduce the brand to Virginia,” Hensmann said. “With their deep ties to the community and passion for providing a great guest experience, we have no doubt they will make this location a success.”
The Lindseys said the restaurant would serve as both a sports bar and a community gathering place.
“Wings Etc. is not only a great place to watch sports, but also a fantastic spot for friends and family to meet up before or after local events, whether it’s a game at one of the area high schools, Roanoke College or Virginia Tech, or a hockey match or concert,” Lindsey said. “With carryout for tailgating, parties or picnics as well, we know that Wings Etc. will fast become a part of hometown celebrations.”
Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Founded in 1994 in northern Indiana, Wings Etc. has grown to more than 80 restaurants in the Midwest and South.
