Wingman’s twice-fried chicken flies south, finding its sweet spot in Johnson County
March 15, 2022 | Austin Barnes
A pandemic-battered, Westport fried chicken restaurant is on the move, chasing new opportunities in Overland Park and frying up a second chance that could be the secret ingredient to franchise expansion, its owner said.
“Wingman is the food provider for the entire district,” said Duane Jordan, owner of a Wingman Kitchen franchise, detailing the restaurant’s pivot into GameTime District — a massive, four-venue events and activity hub nestled in the Johnson County suburb.
Duane Jordan, Wingman Kitchen
Click here to read about another business within the district, LEVELUP Arena, and its co-owner’s commitment to equity in esports.
The chicken wings-focused restaurant shuttered its local flagship location at 4117 Pennsylvania Avenue in late 2021. The building was also home to a sister-franchise, Sweet Combforts — an ode to Belgium liege waffles, which pair perfectly with the operation’s crave-worthy chicken, Jordan said.
With the restaurant industry ever changing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Wingman is expected to consolidate its Missouri operation into a North Kansas City-sauced ghost kitchen, he added.
Click here to follow Wingman Kitchen on Instagram.
Wingman Kitchen
Cluckin-good vibe
“We’re trying to create [the] atmosphere of a cool, fun place where people can come and hangout, relax, get good food, get a good drink, listen to music, and just kind of vibe.”
A serial entrepreneur, Jordan got his start as a business and marketing consultant. He then launched his own private lending company alongside a Dubai-based partner, he said.
The effort focused heavily on restaurant development which ultimately led the pair into franchising their own pair of Wingman and Sweet Combforts locations.
“We opened the first restaurant a month before COVID hit,” Jordan recalled, detailing a change in the company’s course of direction over the past two years.
“Being in Westport, we learned a lot of your money is made [from foot traffic]. It’s made by the St. Patrick’s Day parade,” Jordan said, offering an example of the kind of event that can make or break a main street business.
“[Because of COVID] we had to come up with different ideas and unique ways to get people out [of their homes] and into the restaurant. …We had to be more flexible and inventive in dealing with COVID and finding ways where people would be comfortable coming out and gathering,” he continued, noting he has no regrets or grievances with the Westport location.
“It’s a younger crowd in Westport. And when you’re younger like that and going out — and you only have $30 — you’re not spending $30 on eating out.”
As Wingman settles into the GameTime District, much of its attention will be focused on serving the needs of families on the hunt for good (and kid-friendly) food and quality entertainment.
“It’s a happening spot in Johnson County — where families can come and the kids can go hangout and game while the parents go to a concert,” he said.
“We do chicken tenders, we do chicken sandwiches, we do rice bowls, we have salads,” he detailed, noting Wingman dishes are Asian-inspired and many are paired with the restaurant’s signature “cluckin’ good sauce.” Its chicken offerings are twice-fried for the perfect crunch.
Wingman Kitchen
Sweet Combforts’ waffle pops
For customers with a sweet tooth, the restaurant will continue to serve Sweet Combforts’ waffle pops in a variety of toppings, like Fruity Pebbles cereal and cheesecake. The waffles are also expected to highlight the forthcoming addition of a brunch service and performances by local jazz artists.
Jordan hopes the changes can better establish the businesses in the minds of locals, he said, leading to the potential of more franchising opportunities down the road.
Click here to learn more about Wingman Kitchen or here for details on Sweet Combforts.
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
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