admin
The International Franchise Association (IFA) has officially named Brent and Sherry Weaver, multi-unit operators of the East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G) brand, as the 2026 Franchisees of the Year. This prestigious accolade, among the highest honors bestowed within the global franchising community, recognizes individual owners who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to their brand, their employees, and the local communities they serve. The Weavers, who operate three successful locations in the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina, were formally recognized during the IFA Advocacy Summit held in Washington, D.C., from September 14–16.
The award serves as a testament to the Weavers’ two-decade journey with the East Coast Wings + Grill brand. As some of the first franchisees to join the system, they have been instrumental in the brand’s evolution from a regional wing spot to a sophisticated, data-driven full-service restaurant franchise. Their recognition by the IFA highlights a career defined by operational precision, innovative business strategies, and a profound sense of civic duty, particularly in the wake of natural disasters that have impacted their home state.
A Legacy of Excellence in the Franchise Industry
The IFA Franchisee of the Year award is not merely a reflection of financial success; it is a holistic evaluation of a franchisee’s contribution to the "multiplier effect" of franchising. According to the IFA, recipients must show excellence in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community outreach. For Brent and Sherry Weaver, these criteria have been the pillars of their business model since they first signed their franchise agreement over 20 years ago.
In the competitive landscape of the casual dining and wing-focused segment, the Weavers have consistently outpaced industry benchmarks. Their restaurants are frequently cited within the ECW+G system for high operational standards, boasting some of the highest marks in health inspections, customer satisfaction surveys, and employee retention rates. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and professional growth, they have built a loyal workforce, with several staff members remaining with their organization for over a decade—a rarity in the high-turnover hospitality sector.
The recognition at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., also placed the Weavers at the center of national discussions regarding the economic impact of franchising. The summit brings together hundreds of franchise leaders to engage with policymakers on issues such as labor laws, tax policy, and small business support. As 2026 Franchisees of the Year, the Weavers represent the pinnacle of the 792,000 franchise establishments currently operating across the United States, which collectively contribute nearly $827 billion to the national GDP.
Strategic Innovation: Real Estate and Succession Planning
What distinguishes the Weavers from many other successful franchisees is their long-term strategic vision, which includes vertical integration and meticulous succession planning. Currently, the couple is spearheading a landmark project in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Unlike traditional franchise expansions that rely on leased space in existing shopping centers, the Weavers are developing their newest property from the ground up.
By purchasing the land and overseeing the construction of a new commercial center, the Weavers are transitioning into the role of their own landlords. This move not only secures their long-term overhead costs but also allows them to anchor the development with an East Coast Wings + Grill location, thereby controlling the tenant mix and the overall customer experience of the site. This level of real estate investment is a sophisticated move that reflects the maturity and financial health of their business enterprise.
Simultaneously, the Weavers are addressing one of the most critical challenges in the small business world: the generational transition. They are actively mentoring their son, Andrew Weaver, to take the helm of the family business. This commitment to keeping the restaurants family-owned and locally operated ensures that the values Brent and Sherry established over the last twenty years will persist for decades to come. Succession planning of this caliber is frequently highlighted by the IFA as a "best practice" for ensuring the longevity of the franchise model.
Humanitarian Leadership and Community Response
The Weavers’ commitment to their community was perhaps most visible during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in late 2024. The storm, which caused catastrophic flooding and wind damage across parts of the Southeast, left thousands of North Carolinians without power, water, or basic necessities. In response, Brent and Sherry transformed their three Winston-Salem restaurants into hubs for disaster relief.
Working in coordination with the East Coast Wings + Grill corporate support team and mobilizing their own guest base, the Weavers organized massive donation drives. They utilized their logistical networks to collect and deliver thousands of essential items, including bottled water, non-perishable food, and hygiene products, to the hardest-hit regions. This grassroots effort was not a corporate mandate but a self-directed initiative that exemplified the "service to others" component of the IFA award.
Their ability to rally fellow franchisees and local residents during a time of crisis demonstrated the unique role that local franchise owners play as community anchors. While global brands provide the framework, it is the local owners like the Weavers who provide the human connection and immediate support during times of localized hardship.
Official Reactions and Industry Implications
The announcement of the award drew praise from both the franchise brand’s leadership and the national association. Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, emphasized the broader significance of the Weavers’ achievements.
"Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about—individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves," Haller stated. "Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize Brent and Sherry Weaver with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees."
Sam Ballas, CEO and Founder of East Coast Wings + Grill, echoed these sentiments, noting the Weavers’ role in the brand’s history. "Brent and Sherry represent the very best of what franchising can be," said Ballas. "They have built an exceptional business, but what stands out just as much is their generosity and their vision for the future. They embody the spirit of this award, and we could not be prouder to see them recognized by the IFA."
From an industry perspective, the Weavers’ success highlights the efficacy of the East Coast Wings + Grill model. The brand is known for its "Unit Level Economics" focus, which prioritizes the profitability of the individual franchisee over rapid, unchecked expansion. By maintaining a 2.0-to-1 or better sales-to-investment ratio, the brand provides a stable platform for operators like the Weavers to scale their businesses and invest back into their communities.
The Future of East Coast Wings + Grill
The recognition of the Weavers comes at a time of steady growth for East Coast Wings + Grill. Founded in 1995 and franchising since 2003, the Winston-Salem-based brand has carved out a niche in the casual dining market by offering a diverse menu that goes beyond wings to include burgers, flatbreads, and salads, all while maintaining a focus on high-quality ingredients and customizable heat levels (ranging from "Virgin" to "Insanity").
As the brand looks toward 2026 and beyond, it continues to seek "qualified entrepreneurs" who mirror the Weavers’ dedication to community-focused operations. The brand’s strategy involves targeting secondary and tertiary markets where a full-service, family-friendly restaurant can become a staple of the local economy.
The story of Brent and Sherry Weaver serves as a blueprint for the modern franchisee. It illustrates that success in the 21st-century franchise world requires more than just following an operations manual; it requires a blend of real estate savvy, philanthropic leadership, and a commitment to legacy. As they prepare to transition their business to the next generation, the Weavers leave an indelible mark on the East Coast Wings + Grill system and the wider world of American franchising.
Through their work in the Piedmont region and their leadership during the Hurricane Helene recovery, the Weavers have proven that the most successful businesses are those that are deeply woven into the fabric of the communities they serve. Their designation as the 2026 IFA Franchisees of the Year is not just a career milestone, but a celebration of the enduring power of the American entrepreneurial spirit.
