Independent Research Identified East Coast Wings + Grill as One of the Top 100 Franchise Brands with the Best Culture Based on Surveys of Over 35,000 Franchise Owners
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a full service, family dining franchise that is the ultimate casual dining spot for wing lovers, was recently named to Franchise Business Review’s 2025 “Culture100” list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in its annual research on the Best Franchise Cultures.
Franchise Business Review, a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 17 unique areas that contribute to a strong company culture, including leadership, core values, franchisee community, and engagement.
Despite being relatively young in its franchising journey – having only actively franchised for 14 years – ECW+G has been intentional about scaling the right way. The brand strategically paused expansion during economic shifts to ensure franchisees were financially successful and the brand’s cultural integrity remained intact.
“Our culture is not just a buzzword – it’s the engine behind our performance,” said Sam Ballas, CEO of East Coast Wings + Grill. “Everything we do is rooted in building trust with our franchisees and creating a system where collaboration and transparency drive profitability and growth. A strong culture creates a stronger bottom line – it’s a direct contributor to unit-level economics. This award is a proud moment for our entire system – it validates everything we’ve worked toward: building a brand where franchisees feel genuinely supported, heard, and empowered.”
Ballas, who also leads emerging slider concept Sammy’s Sliders, says this culture-first approach is being used to guide its early growth as well. “Whether it’s a seasoned franchise system or a startup, the key to sustainable ULE is building with culture from day one,” Ballas added.
Franchisees like Deep Patel, who also operates other concepts outside of ECW+G, say the difference is undeniable.
“I’ve never seen the level of support I receive at East Coast Wings + Grill. It’s more than just systems – it’s the people and the culture that make the difference.”
Terry Kimrey, a franchisee who transitioned from the construction industry with no prior restaurant experience, added,
“The ECW+G team embraced me and made sure I had what I needed to succeed. I never felt like I was going at it alone, and that’s what sets this brand apart.”
East Coast Wings + Grill prides itself in offering a complete dining experience, a variety of menu items including signature burgers, flatbreads, skillets, craft beer, and exceptional hospitality. ECW+G provides a relaxed, comfortable setting perfect for family outings, catching a game, or picking up convenient carry-out options.
For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill 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 more than 50 nationwide locations open or in development, 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 second vice chair of the association. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
About Franchise Business Review
Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures the satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,300 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/.
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