Wild Wing Cafe was founded in 1990 in Hilton Head, South Carolina, by Cecil & Diane Crowley. After hosting numerous Super Bowl parties at their house, the couple decided to open a restaurant which featured their beloved chicken wing recipes.
Unlike many restaurants at the time, Cecil and Diane insisted on using fresh ingredients, rather than relying on frozen or prepackaged sauces. Most of the sauces were the Crowley’s own recipes, so the ingredients are kept under wraps.
As of 2017, the company has 47 locations in 10 states, as well as plans to double the number of locations by 2020, according to CEO Tom Lewison.
In January of 2012, a majority interest in the chain was secured by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Axum Capital Partnership, an investment company. The Crowley retain part ownership in the company.
Headquarters for the chain are located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.