Buffalo wings are a way of life in South Florida.  As the centerpiece in the “fun foods” entrée category, these hot, mild, garlic, and grilled drumettes are the perfect order for any occasion.

And the best known of the wing restaurants is Wings Plus. 

After more than two decades in the garment industry (including stints at Van Heusen and Federated Stores), Dave Fox, owner of Wings Plus in Weston, was ready to do something different.

“I was tired of working for these big companies, but only seeing a small bit of the overall success,” he explains.  “For a long time, I dreamed of running my own business, and at the age of 42, I rolled the dice.”

Dave always knew what kind of business he wanted.  From the time he was a youth, he’d fancied himself the owner of a casual, family friendly-style pizza restaurant.

But he had a lot of work to do before serving his first culinary customer.  Knowing that eighty percent of food businesses fail inside of eighteen months, Dave did extensive research before getting started. 

“I knew that with the right product, I could market anything,” he explains. 

During his research period, Dave befriended the owner of Wings Plus in Coral Springs.  He was impressed with what he saw, and learned from the owner’s wins and losses. 

“The restaurant had name recognition,” he says. “It had a proven record, good prices, good food, and the right demographics.”

Dave decided to create a carbon copy of his friend’s model in another city—Weston.  Once the foundation was laid, he hit the ground running – working tirelessly to get the Wings Plus name as known and recognized in Weston as the original restaurant’s was in Coral Springs.

“It was a grassroots effort,” he says.  “We went to schools, churches and sports teams and gave out coupons, VIP cards and special offers.  The goal was to get the name known.”

It worked. Today, Wings Plus in Weston is one of the most popular casual-dining eateries in South Broward.  After changing careers, putting on an entrepreneur’s hat for the first time, nd learning the restaurant business from the ground up---Dave is definitely winning.

Wings Plus’s Game:

“It’s simple,” Dave says. “Provide a family friendly atmosphere with good food.”

How Wings Plus Plays Its Game:

Dave’s winning strategy is based on two foundations: hard work and teamwork.

“The first five years, I worked seven days a week,” he says.  “And I expected no more or no less from others who worked with me.”   He also rewards his employees for their dedication and responsibility, a time-honored formula for building loyalty and a solid team.

Dave also considers his customers to be part of his team.  “I listen to them,” he says. “They tell me what they want and I give it to them.  It’s that simple.”

How Wings Plus Continues To Win

Dave believes that a big part of his restaurant’s winning strategy is its involvement in the Weston community.  He contributes regularly to Youth Programs, the YMCA, the local schools, and other neighborhood programs.