Goode Partners LLC, the New York-based private equity firm, today announced it has made a strategic investment in Wings ‘N More Restaurants LLC, a proud Texas tradition and restaurant chain that offers a diverse, value-oriented menu centered around the “buffalo style” chicken wing. The investment by Goode Partners, combined with debt financing from Gladstone Capital Corporation, will help drive the company’s geographic expansion and accelerate growth of the popular Wings ‘N More® brand.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Mark Dennard, the founder and current owner of Wings ‘N More,” said David Oddi, one of Goode’s partners. “Mark and the company’s management team have done an outstanding job offering their customers incredible food at a great value. Most of the company’s leaders have grown up with the brand, building a culture that is passionate about exceeding customer expectations. We think there are so many similarities to Chuy’s, which grew from eight to over 75 restaurants during our investment. We look forward to working with this outstanding team and providing the added resources to help take the company to the next level in its growth strategy.”
Commenting for Wings ‘N More, Mark Dennard said, “We’re tremendously excited about this partnership. It’s a great opportunity for Wings ‘N More brand and for the team that helped build it into what it is today. We look forward to opening new restaurants and providing growth opportunities for our team members.”
Wings ‘N More® was founded by Mark Dennard in 1986. For nine years, Mark Dennard played football in the NFL. Seven of those years were spent with the Miami Dolphins and two with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his time in Miami, Mark was introduced to the concept of “buffalo style” chicken wings. The wing concept was in its infancy in the deep south, and they were nowhere to be found in Mark’s home state of Texas. Mark and his family were disappointed with the lack of availability of wings while spending the off-season at home in Texas. By the time he retired from football, he made the decision to open his first wings restaurant in Houston. The business steadily grew as the wings gained acceptance and acquired a loyal and ever increasing following. In the years following, Wings ‘N More® restaurants won many awards, including “Best Wings over Houston” and “Favorite Wings Restaurant in College Station.”
Wings ‘N More® currently operates seven restaurants College Station/Bryan, Corpus Christi and Houston.
Goode Partners LLC is a New York-based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on investment opportunities in the retail, restaurant, apparel, direct marketing and branded consumer product sectors. The firm has established itself as a partner of choice by leveraging its unique combination of investment capital, a team of professionals with experience investing in and operating some of the world’s premiere consumer brands and an extensive industry network. Goode seeks to partner with the managers of well-positioned, high-growth potential consumer-oriented companies. More information on Goode Partners and its team can be found on the firm’s website www.goodepartners.com.