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
Google to build $1B data center in Kansas City; aiming for 24/7 carbon-free energy use
Corporate and government officials Wednesday announced an ambitious plan to build a billion-dollar data center in the Kansas City region — supported by new-to-the-grid carbon-free energy capacity. The facility could open as soon as 2025. “Google’s major investment in KC will have multiple positive impacts long term. Not only will the tech company invest hundreds…
Boulevardia drops two-day festival lineup with nearly 70 acts (and 60 local performers)
When Boulevardia’s sprawling urban street festival returns to Crown Center and Washington Square Park this summer, dozens of local artists are expected to take the stage alongside national headliners. Organizers on Tuesday announced the nearly 70 acts Tuesday with the two-day June festival capped with performances by German rock band Milky Chance and 1990s pop…
He’s touched every ꓘ at The K for 25 years; meet the man who gives mud baths to 200+ balls before each game
Every baseball that crosses home plate at Kauffman Stadium likely received a mud bath from Tom Walsh, he shared. Before every home game — including opening day March 28 — the Kansas City Royals clubhouse and umpire services manager is in charge of preparing 204 balls in line with the strict regulations of Major League…
First look: Chef behind Strang Hall favorite Anousone brings his popular Laotian fare downtown
A new menu option at the Strang Chef Collective at lightwell hits familiar flavors for diners who already have fallen in love with renowned Chef Anourom Thomson’s Southeast Asian-inspired comfort food, said Shawn Craft. Anousone — a popular staple with the Strang Hall food hall concept in downtown Overland Park — has opened a new…