Ker’s WingHouse Bar & Grill—a Largo, Florida–based sports-themed wing and casual-dining restaurant chain founded by Florida Gator and National Football League (NFL) veteran Crawford Ker—announced today it will be opening a new location in Gainesville, Florida.
The company has purchased an existing restaurant site at 3857 SW Archer Rd. that will be remodeled into the brand’s signature 5,540-square-foot design accommodating nearly 200 guests.
This restaurant, set to open in September 2012, marks the company’s 21st location in Florida and will create 70 new jobs for the surrounding area.
“The opening of our 21st location in Gainesville has great significance for me, as it marks my return to the community that gave me so much during my years playing as an offensive lineman for the Florida Gators,” says Crawford Ker, CEO and founder of Ker’s WingHouse Bar & Grill. “We’re excited to bring our oversized portions and classic American fare to the most passionate fans in college football, while also sharing our fun-filled family atmosphere with all of the Gator Nation.”
Ker’s football career began its rise at the University of Florida, where he earned a reputation as a leader on the offensive line. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the third round in 1985. After playing in Dallas for six years, he finished his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and later retired in 1992.
After retirement, Ker returned to his home state of Florida and, in 1994, opened the first Ker’s WingHouse restaurant in Largo.
Since its inception, WingHouse’s mission has been to be “brilliant on the basics.” A full liquor sports bar, chicken wings, and award-winning hot sauces served up by the famous WingHouse girls set the restaurants apart from the competition.
Each WingHouse features a state-of-the-art television package and sports memorabilia adorning the walls. Most locations offer a game room, and the always-smiling WingHouse girls help to create the restaurant’s ambiance. Popular items, such as an annual WingHouse swimsuit calendar, t-shirts, and award-winning hot sauces, are available for purchase at each location.
In addition to great food and drinks, WingHouse restaurants are active in the local communities in which they operate. From supporting local charities to sponsoring events, WingHouse prides itself on being an integral part of the neighborhood.
Today, WingHouse has 20 locations throughout Florida in Altamonte Springs, Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Largo, New Port Richey, Ocala, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Sanford, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Winter Park.
WingHouse is currently seeking candidates to open additional franchise locations throughout Florida. This is an opportunity for interested, experienced, multiunit operators with a net worth of $1.5 million and $600,000 in liquid assets.
Single-unit developers are required to possess $750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $1.5 million.
