Newly Reopened Portage, Michigan, Wings Etc. Launches 2025 Plans with Free Pretzel Bites

The new owners’ expansive projects include a pickup window, large covered patio, music and community programs.

Fort Wayne, IN — The new owners of the Wings Etc. in downtown Portage, Michigan, have big plans for the restaurant in 2025, beginning with an offer of a free pretzel bites appetizer with every entrée purchase (dine in only, one offer per visit), effective January 1–31, 2025.

Franchisees Gene and Karee Harrison and their son Robert Harrison recently took over ownership of the Portage restaurant at 7337 S. Westnedge Ave. While the previous owners were trying to sell the business, the building was hit by a tornado May 7. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the exterior was reconstructed with new siding, a new roof and updated Wings Etc. branding. The Harrisons purchased the property September 23 and closed the business for a week for interior remodeling, reopening October 1. The site includes a new kitchen and bar area, and a new game room featuring pool tables.

“The response from the customers has been positive,” says Gene Harrison. “They like to see that there’s effort put into the building.”

That effort includes a new pickup window for to-go orders, set to open in February or March, as well as a large — 35-foot by 60-foot — covered patio space that will open just in time for warm weather this spring. The patio is ideally situated next to the Celery Flats Historic Area along the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail, a popular walking and biking path. The outdoor dining space will be dog-friendly, with parking for bikes.

The patio will lend itself to live music in warm weather, and the interior has room for a band or a DJ. With around 30 TVs and 18 beers on tap, Wings Etc.’s family friendly sports bar atmosphere is well suited to host get-togethers and celebrations for the community.

“I’m a heavy believer in working with the schools, so we’ll be reaching out,” Gene Harrison said. “The way we run our business is we embed ourselves into the community, quite deeply.”

Western Michigan University in nearby Kalamazoo is Robert’s alma mater. Gene also hopes to support the annual Portage Invite, Michigan’s premier cross-country event involving more than 6,000 of the region’s best high school runners.

A co-owner of two other Wings Etc. franchises with Robert, Gene is an established entrepreneur. “I’ve been self-employed almost my entire life,” he said. “I owned a manufacturing company for over 20 years, and I sold that in 2015. Now I work with my son, and we develop properties.” Robert and Gene operate Wings Etc. franchises in Sturgis and Port Huron, Michigan. They also own another restaurant in Port Huron next to their Wings Etc. restaurant called Bootleggers Axe Co., with a speakeasy called Mooncurser’s in the basement. “Working with my son, we’re all into the hospitality market,” Gene said.

“We’re thrilled that Gene and Robert Harrison have revamped and reopened the Portage restaurant,” said Wings Etc. CEO Rob Hensmann. “They’re talented owners with great vision to provide a fun, welcoming place in the community and help this location thrive.”

Gene says the Wings Etc. corporate team has been a tremendous resource since he first got into the restaurant business.

“The original draw for me goes all the way back to 2013,” said Gene. “I was redoing some buildings in Sturgis. It was a $3.5 million project putting life in these old historic buildings. And I was looking for a franchise that would work with me and cooperate with me in a downtown environment. And Sturgis has proved to be a good location in a downtown environment.”

Gene said this is the first time they’ve been situated outside of a historic district. They’ll continue to hire for positions in the restaurant, and are eager to carry forward the Wings Etc. tradition of giving back in the community.

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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, 22 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 more than 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.

Photos courtesy of Wings Etc. Grill and Pub

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