Wings Etc. embraces sweet-heat trend with new hot honey sauce, cocktail

Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce brings a zing to the brand’s signature Crispy Chicken Sandwich and award-winning wings; Hot Honey Margarita spices up beverage menu

FORT WAYNE, Ind.— Wings Etc. is answering the ever-growing demand for sweet and spicy flavors with its debut of the new Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce and Hot Honey Margarita, both available for a limited time.

The Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce incorporates two of Wings Etc.’s 21 signature wings sauces: peppery “TNT” sauce and fresh-made habanero “Wall” sauce. The combination of those fiery flavors with honey and select spices yields a sweet-spicy (“swicy”) sauce that brings a kick to Wings Etc.’s award-winning Buffalo wings and their popular Crispy Chicken Sandwich, served on a toasted

brioche roll with lettuce, tomato, pickle and a side of fries.

Wings Etc.’s new Hot Honey Margarita is a balanced yet electrifying blend of complex flavors, beginning with Dwayne Johnson’s small-batch, handcrafted Teremana Blanco Tequila. House-made Hot Honey, Finest Call Triple Sec and Finest Call Lime Sour round out the drink, garnished with a lime wheel. A Hot Honey and Tajin rim is the finishing fusion of flavors.

A test run of the new Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce proved that heat and sweet is a hit. The Hummmin’ Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich was the fourth-best-selling sandwich overall and ranked second among chicken sandwiches during a trial period earlier this year. The sauce was also a favorite on wings.

“We remain competitive in the chicken sandwich wars by delivering the flavors our guests crave,” says Wings Etc. CEO Rob Hensmann. “Sweet-heat is a top trend, especially paired with crispy chicken, and Wings Etc. is meeting consumers’ appetite for this flavor with a unique approach — taming two of our signature hot sauces with a mellow hint of honey.

“Judging by the enthusiastic response to our Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce in a trial run, we’re certain it will be a success in all 80 Wings Etc. locations,” Hensmann continues. “And our fresh approach to the margarita, a longtime beverage staple, checks all the boxes for guests seeking quality ingredients layered in exciting and novel ways.”

The Hummmin’ Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and Hot Honey Margarita will be available for lunch and dinner starting April 30, 2024.

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About Wings Etc. Grill & Pub

Wings Etc. is proud to celebrate 30 years of growth and good times this year. Founded in 1994 by Jim Weaver in northern Indiana, Wings Etc. is a family-friendly grill and pub featuring award-winning jumbo Buffalo wings, 21 signature sauces and rubs, dozens of TVs tuned to sports programming and a casual, non-corporate-y, laid-back vibe that makes people want to just come in and hang out. See wingsetc.com.

With 80 corporate and franchise locations, Wings Etc. has been listed among Entrepreneur magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” every year since 2021 and was included in the magazine’s “Top Five Best Sports Bars” in 2021. It has been named one of Franchise Business Review’s “Top Food Franchises” every year since 2020 and a “Top 200 Franchise” every year since 2019. Wings Etc. has been included in Franchise Gator’s “Top 100 Franchises” seven times since 2014 and its “Fastest Growing Franchises” seven times since 2016; it was among the “Top Emerging Franchises” in 2023. It has been named a “Top 400 Franchise” by Franchise Times every year since 2021 and a “Top 500 Franchise” by Nation’s Restaurant News every year since 2021. See www.wingsetcfranchise.com.

The Wings Etc. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to improving children’s lives. See www.wingsetcfoundation.com.

©2024 Wings Etc., Inc. Franchises independently owned and operated.