East Coast Wings + Grill Named to Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s 2025 “100 Game Changers” List
Recognition Honors the Brand’s Continued Innovation, Strong Franchisee Support, and Proven Growth Strategy
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (December 3, 2025) – East Coast Wings + Grill (“ECW+G”) – the full-service, family dining franchise that is the ultimate casual dining spot for wing lovers – has been named to Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s 2025 “100 Game Changers” list, a prestigious annual ranking that recognizes franchises making a meaningful impact on entrepreneurship through innovation, opportunity, and community engagement.
“2025 marks another powerhouse year for franchising! The industry continues to break barriers, empower entrepreneurs, and change lives in extraordinary ways,” said Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine / FranServe. “Brands that earn the Top 100 Game Changers designation have truly gone above and beyond—innovating, inspiring, and making a lasting impact. We are beyond excited to celebrate these 100+ FRAN-TASTIC brands leading the charge. Here’s to continued success and to #ChangingLives—one franchise at a time!”
The 100 Game Changers list highlights standout franchise organizations that are reshaping their sectors through performance, leadership, and forward-thinking strategies. For ECW+G, the honor underscores the brand’s focus on guest experience and menu innovation, as a franchise system built around operational excellence and franchisee success.
“Being recognized as a 2025 Game Changer is a testament to our franchise partners, operational teams, and leadership who continue to push the brand forward,” said Sam Ballas, CEO and Founder of ECW+G. “Our focus has always been on sustainable unit-level economics, strong brand culture, and delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests. This recognition validates the disciplined growth model we’ve built and the value we provide to both guests and franchise owners.”
Known for its 50+ flavors and seven heat levels of award-winning wings and its thoughtfully crafted, family-friendly menu, ECW+G has earned numerous accolades in recent years for performance, franchisee satisfaction, and concept innovation. The brand continues to strengthen its regional footprint while attracting multi-unit operators seeking a scalable and financially resilient restaurant model.
To view the full 2025 100 Game Changers list, visit franchisedictionarymagazine.com/2025-game-changers/.
For more information about ECW+G franchising opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
ABOUT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights Buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virigina and Pennsylvania, the franchise has secured a spot on the Entrepreneur and the Franchise Business Review’s 2024 Top Food Franchise, Most Innovative Franchise, Most Profitable Franchise, Franchise Rock Star, and Top Franchise lists. The concept has also been named to the Franchise Business Review Hall of Fame for the past decade due to outstanding franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. Additionally, East Coast Wings + Grill was also ranked on Franchise Times Top Franchise list. East Coast Wings + Grill is a member of the IFA, with CEO and Founder, Sam Ballas, serving as the vice chair of the association. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
###