Wing It On! to open first Tampa location amid Florida push

Wing It On! plans to open its first Tampa location in mid-2026, marking the brand’s second Florida restaurant as it continues to expand across the Southeast.

The Tampa opening is part of a broader franchise growth strategy by parent company Craveworthy Brands, which operates and develops multiple fast-casual and quick-service restaurant concepts nationwide.

Tampa selected as next Florida market

Company executives said Tampa’s population growth and established dining culture made it a natural next step following Wing It On!’s first Florida location in Mount Dora.

The Tampa restaurant will be operated by franchisee Jignesh Patel, a multi-unit operator with experience in convenience retail and quick-service restaurants.

Patel has spent more than two decades in foodservice and retail operations and currently oversees several franchised restaurant locations.

No site has been publicly announced and an exact opening date has not been disclosed.

A competitive restaurant market

Wing It On! enters a crowded Tampa Bay restaurant market where national chains and regional concepts are competing for customers facing higher prices and shifting dining habits.

The brand is best known for its buffalo-style wings, offering more than 20 sauces and rubs along with chicken sandwiches, loaded fries and sides.

It has won multiple awards at the National Buffalo Wing Festival, including repeated recognition for best-tasting sauce.

While awards help differentiate brands, restaurant analysts note that sustained performance often depends on real estate selection, staffing and consistency rather than menu alone.

Franchise growth tied to operational model

Craveworthy Brands has emphasized franchise scalability and off-premises dining as key drivers of growth.

Wing It On!’s model is designed to support takeout and delivery, with mobile ordering and digital loyalty tools built into operations.

Executives said the system is also compatible with virtual kitchens, allowing operators to expand reach without additional dining room space.

Still, industry observers caution that technology-forward concepts must balance speed with quality control, particularly as labor markets remain tight.

Why it matters for Tampa Bay

The opening adds to continued restaurant investment in Tampa Bay, where population growth and tourism have supported new dining concepts despite rising operating costs.

For local consumers, the move expands fast-casual dining options.

For the broader business community, it reflects ongoing confidence in Tampa as a growth market for franchise operators testing expansion strategies in Florida.

As more national brands enter the region, competition is likely to intensify, placing pressure on operators to deliver value, consistency and experience beyond novelty alone.