Olathe opening: Popular chicken chain flies deeper into JoCo; its first franchisee isn’t just winging it
May 14, 2025 | Startland News Staff
Joe Finch got his start in the food industry bussing tables. This weekend, he’ll open his own restaurant in Olathe — capitalizing on the popularity of spinout success WingStand by opening the brand’s first franchise location.
WingStand Olathe is set to debut Saturday at 119 South Mur-Len Road, offering an order of free wings to WingStand app users at its grand opening event.
Click here to sign up for the WingStand app.
WingStand is owned by Lawrence-based Jefferson’s Restaurants, and is known for its quick, approachable dining experience and bold flavors. The restaurant offers boneless, bone-in, crispy, traditional, and even soy-based veggie wings. The menu also features Certified Angus Beef smashburgers and hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and tenders.
Click here to order or learn more about WingStand.
A spread of menu items from chicken spot WingStand, which also now boasts Certified Angus Beef smashburgers; courtesy photo
“WingStand is first and foremost a neighborhood place,” Finch said. “We’re really excited to connect with our new community in Olathe, and we couldn’t think of a better way than by sharing our favorite food: wings.”
Finch previously served as general manager of WingStand’s food truck and off-site catering services, as well as a stint at WingStand’s original location in Mission and a former location on State Line Road.
WingStand’s restaurant at 5438 Johnson Dr. remains a corporate-owned location.
A local to Kansas City, he worked his way up through the ranks of the restaurant business, from clearing tables to serving and hosting, then eventually bartending and management.
Michael Brown, director of operations for WingStand (and who oversaw the launch of the first location in Mission) is Finch’s operating partner in the new venture.
The new space at 119 South Mur-Len Road previously was home to Fire Jerk Grill Jamaican Cuisine and, before that, a Little Caesars shop.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Bill Nye: We’re all born scientists — most people just get distracted; here’s how the ‘Science Guy’ thinks critical thinking can make the world better
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. WICHITA, Kansas — Even with a looming (and divisive) election within weeks, the impacts of severe weather becoming more clear, and an increasingly uncertain future written within online algorithms, now…
Travois receives $35M in tax credits to boost economic development in Native communities
A fresh tranche of new markets tax credits is expected to help Crossroads-based Travois support the funding of projects in Native spaces, like school facilities and health clinics, said Phil Glynn. “New markets tax credits are an essential tool for filling funding gaps for projects in places with the greatest need,” said Glynn, president of…
Chef Ryan Edwards’ flame rises with new BBQ concept (in a familiar Lenexa space)
A new BBQ hotspot opened this week on Lackman Road, bringing a seasoned restauranteur’s latest concept — and the taste of distinctly Kansas City barbecue — back to his old grilling grounds. Sierra BBQ, a casual dining concept from chef-owner Ryan Edwards, debuted Tuesday in the former Johnson County space occupied by Edwards’ acclaimed Sierra…
Here’s how Kauffman’s five just-hired directors fit into the Foundation’s new impact- and research-heavy focus
A handful of newly announced directors at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are expected to help drive forward the influential philanthropic organization’s updated priorities and grantmaking strategy, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, emphasizing an underlying theme for their work: prosperity for all. “These five new director positions welcome a combination of talent and commitment to our…