How to Finance an Epic Wings Franchise: Wing Shop Startup Costs
By Chris Cornella
An Epic Wings franchise loan helps a buyer pay for the lease, build-out, fryers, refrigeration and opening cash that a wing restaurant needs before the first order goes out. Because Epic Wings is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, buyers can look at SBA 7(a) financing alongside conventional loans, equipment financing and working capital lines.
Because little verified cost data is public for this brand, this article focuses on structure and process.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Epic Wings; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures in the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant.
Epic Wings Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: a family-owned, wing-focused restaurant brand headquartered in San Diego, California, formerly known as Wings N’ Things.
- Menu: traditional and boneless wings, tenderloin strips, pizza sticks, fries, salads and homemade breadsticks with dips, according to the brand’s franchise profile.
- Franchise fee, royalty and total investment: not publicly verified for this article; read Items 5, 6 and 7 of the current FDD.
- Net worth and liquidity requirements: not published by the franchisor in materials we could verify; ask the franchise development team.
- Franchise availability: the brand’s franchise profile has indicated it was not accepting new applicants through that channel, so confirm current availability and territories directly with the franchisor.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S2088, with a note about the Conditional Lease Assignment when real estate secures the SBA loan.
What Is Epic Wings?
Epic Wings is a West Coast wing brand that began as Wings N’ Things before rebranding. The company describes itself as family-owned and says it was the first to bring Buffalo-style wings to the West Coast. Its headquarters is in San Diego, California.
The menu is tight: traditional and boneless wings in a range of sauces, tenderloin strips, pizza sticks, fries, salads and the brand’s homemade breadsticks with dipping sauces.
Why lenders view a wing concept the way they do. Wing restaurants depend heavily on takeout, delivery and game-day traffic. Lenders like the smaller footprint compared with full-service dining, but watch commodity exposure closely, because wing prices can move sharply. A plan for food-cost control strengthens the file.
Epic Wings Franchise Costs
The FDD is the only reliable source for this brand’s fees and investment range. Item 5 lists the initial franchise fee, Item 6 the ongoing fees and Item 7 the estimated initial investment broken into line items. Expect the cost categories below, and match every number in your loan request to the current Item 7 table.
Initial franchise fee. Paid to the franchisor when you sign, usually covering training, opening support and the right to use the brand. Lenders generally treat it as an intangible cost that can be financed as part of a franchise start-up loan, but it offers no collateral value.
Lease and build-out. Most wing shops occupy leased inline or end-cap retail space. Build-out typically includes kitchen ventilation and a hood system, fire suppression, plumbing and grease management, electrical upgrades for fryers, a front counter, dining seating and restrooms. Our article on restaurant build-out financing explains how lenders handle construction draws and landlord tenant-improvement allowances.
Equipment. Fryers, sauce stations, ovens for breadsticks and pizza sticks, walk-in and reach-in refrigeration, freezers, prep tables, smallwares and a point-of-sale system with online ordering.
Working capital. Item 7 normally includes “additional funds” for the first months of operation. Lenders want to see that cash in the plan, because payroll, rent and food purchases start before sales stabilize.
When you have the FDD, list each Item 7 line item and its range in your loan package:
- Initial franchise fee
- Real estate, lease deposits and rent before opening
- Leasehold improvements and construction
- Kitchen equipment, furniture and fixtures
- Signage, décor and technology
- Opening inventory and supplies
- Training, licenses and professional fees
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Like most franchise restaurants, Epic Wings franchisees should expect a royalty and a marketing or brand fund contribution, typically calculated on gross sales, plus possible technology, software and renewal or transfer fees. Item 6 of the FDD lists each fee, the amount and when it is due.
How lenders factor fees into cash flow. Lenders measure debt service coverage: how much cash the restaurant produces after all operating costs, including royalties and marketing fees, compared with annual loan payments. Because sales-based fees rise with revenue, a lender will subtract them from projected sales before deciding how much debt the store can carry. Model delivery-app commissions the same way.
Remodel obligations. Check the franchise agreement for any remodel or refresh schedule and build it into long-term plans.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
Epic Wings has not published minimum net worth or liquid capital requirements in materials we could verify. Franchisors in this segment commonly look for restaurant or management experience, enough personal liquidity to fund the down payment and reserves, and a commitment to be involved in operations or to hire a strong general manager.
The approval process. Expect an application, financial disclosure, FDD review, talks with existing owners and site approval. Lenders typically want the signed franchise agreement or an approval letter before closing.
Ways to Own an Epic Wings
Opening a new location. A new store has no operating history, so lenders underwrite it on your experience, your liquidity and a projection built from the FDD and local market data. Financing typically covers build-out, equipment, the franchise fee and working capital. Our restaurant start-up loan page explains how these requests are structured.
Buying an existing location. A resale gives a lender actual sales, food costs and tax returns to review, which often makes underwriting more straightforward. The franchisor must approve the transfer, and the buyer usually signs the then-current franchise agreement. Read our guide to buying a franchise resale for the transfer steps.
Developing multiple units. If the franchisor offers development rights, see the multi-unit section below.
Financing Options for an Epic Wings Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because the brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory, SBA 7(a) loans are a natural starting point for franchise buyers who want longer repayment terms. A 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, working capital and the purchase of an existing restaurant.
SBA 504 loans. If you plan to buy the building or land where the restaurant will operate, SBA 504 financing is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment. Read the directory note below before pledging real estate.
Conventional term loans. Buyers with strong credit, collateral and experience may prefer a conventional business loan; terms depend on the lender and borrower.
Equipment financing. Fryers, refrigeration, freezers, ovens and POS hardware can be financed or leased separately so that the equipment serves as its own collateral and preserves cash. See our restaurant equipment financing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Wing sales spike around big sporting events, while wing costs can rise without warning. A line of credit or short-term restaurant working capital can cover inventory surges, payroll during ramp-up and repairs.
Seller financing on resales. In some resale deals, the seller may agree to carry part of the purchase price. A seller note is typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA programs may limit how it is structured, so raise it with your lender early.
SBA Options for an Epic Wings Franchise Loan
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise documents have been reviewed for SBA lending. Epic Wings appears under code S2088. A listing does not mean any buyer is approved; it means lenders can proceed with SBA underwriting without a separate brand eligibility review.
What the directory note means. The note says that when the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Conditional Lease Assignment may not be executed. A conditional lease assignment is a franchise document that lets the franchisor step into a franchisee’s lease if the franchise ends. In plain English, if you own the property and pledge it as collateral for your SBA loan, you should not sign that assignment, so it cannot interfere with the lender’s claim on the real estate. If you lease your space, the note does not change your deal.
SBA application tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Prepare a personal financial statement, personal tax returns, a resume, the FDD, the franchise agreement, a lease or letter of intent, contractor bids and a business plan. Run early payment estimates with our SBA loan calculator; the results are for planning only and are not an offer.
How Lenders Evaluate an Epic Wings Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and debts, and usually require personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders want cash for the down payment plus reserves after closing.
Industry and management experience. Restaurant management, quick-service operations or multi-unit retail experience strengthens a request. If you lack it, a lender may want to see an experienced general manager in the plan.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect the brand’s focused menu, a realistic split between dine-in, takeout and delivery, wing price volatility, delivery commissions, labor and the royalty and marketing fees from Item 6.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal rights, transfer conditions and any franchisor financing in Item 10, and they check whether Item 19 includes financial performance representations. Our guide to reading an FDD for financing explains which items matter.
Site and lease. The lease term, with renewals, should generally cover the loan term.
Historical financials for resales. Expect to provide the seller’s profit and loss statements and tax returns.
Kitchen Equipment and an Epic Wings Franchise Loan
A wing kitchen is built around frying. Fryer capacity drives peak-hour throughput, ventilation must be sized to match, and freezer space determines how much product you can buy when prices are favorable.
Because equipment has resale value, lenders often treat it as partial collateral. Financing it separately can lower the cash needed at closing, but adds another payment to the cash-flow analysis.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
A second or third Epic Wings is usually financed on the strength of the first. Once a store has a year or more of solid results, lenders can look at combined cash flow across locations. Owners often finance each new store separately, then consolidate or refinance debt as the group grows. If you sign a development agreement, match your opening schedule to realistic financing timelines and keep reserves for each opening. Read more about multi-unit franchise financing.
Real-World Scenarios
A restaurant manager opening a first store. A general manager with years of quick-service experience uses personal savings for the down payment, an SBA 7(a) loan for build-out, the franchise fee and working capital, and a separate equipment lease for the fryers and refrigeration.
A buyer acquiring an existing location. A buyer purchases a store from a retiring owner. The lender reviews several years of tax returns, the buyer signs the current franchise agreement and the seller carries a small subordinate note.
An owner buying the building. A franchisee buys a freestanding building for a new store and finances it with an SBA 504 loan. Because the property secures the loan, the Conditional Lease Assignment is not executed, consistent with the directory note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Borrowing against cost estimates instead of the current Item 7 table
- Underestimating wing price swings in food-cost projections
- Ignoring delivery-app commissions when modeling margins
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term
- Pledging owned real estate without reviewing the directory note on the Conditional Lease Assignment
- Leaving too little working capital for the ramp-up period
For broader pitfalls, read restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners money.
Next Steps to Finance Your Epic Wings Franchise
Step 1: Confirm availability. Contact the franchisor to confirm whether franchises and territories are available in your market.
Step 2: Get the current FDD. Review Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Review your finances. Pull your credit, update your personal financial statement and confirm how much cash you can inject.
Step 4: Find and evaluate a site. Get a letter of intent and contractor bids.
Step 5: Build your business plan. Base projections on the FDD, local data and conservative food-cost assumptions.
Step 6: Apply for financing. Submit your package and coordinate the lender’s timeline with franchisor approval and lease signing.
Epic Wings Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does it cost to open an Epic Wings?
The total investment varies by site, size and build-out. Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimated range and each line item, and that table should anchor your loan request.
What is the Epic Wings franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is listed in Item 5 of the FDD. We did not verify a current figure for this article, so request the latest disclosure document from the franchisor.
Is Epic Wings eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Epic Wings is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S2088. Each borrower still has to qualify under SBA and lender standards.
What does the Conditional Lease Assignment note mean?
If real estate where the restaurant operates will secure the SBA loan, the franchisee should not execute the Conditional Lease Assignment. Leased locations are not affected.
Can I buy an existing Epic Wings?
Yes, subject to franchisor approval. Lenders can underwrite an existing store on its actual financials, and the buyer usually signs the current franchise agreement.
Can a first-time owner get an Epic Wings franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves you and you meet lender standards. Restaurant or management experience, solid credit and adequate liquidity make the request stronger.
Does Epic Wings offer franchisee financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD, which discloses any financing the franchisor offers. Most buyers arrange their own loans.
How long is the franchise term?
The term and renewal conditions are in Item 17 of the FDD and the franchise agreement. Lenders prefer a remaining term at least as long as the loan.
Final Thoughts
An Epic Wings franchise loan works best when it is built on the current FDD, a realistic food-cost plan and enough working capital to carry a new store through its first months. The SBA listing opens the door to SBA 7(a) and 504 financing, while equipment loans and lines of credit can fill specific gaps.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing solutions and restaurant financing.
