The landscape of American franchising is built upon the dedication of local entrepreneurs who invest not only capital into their businesses, but also their lives, families, and communities. Exemplifying this standard of excellence, veteran multi-unit operators Brent and Sherry Weaver have been officially named the 2026 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Representing East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G)—a prominent full-service restaurant franchise celebrated for its made-to-order culinary offerings and award-winning wing concepts—the Weavers were distinguished for their exceptional business acumen, workforce development initiatives, and profound philanthropic impact.
The prestigious accolades were formally presented during the annual IFA Advocacy Summit, held from September 14 to 16 in Washington, D.C. The event gathers top-tier franchise executives, policymakers, and brand representatives from across the United States to advocate for the business model of franchising while honoring the individuals who drive the industry forward at the local level. As foundational pillars within the East Coast Wings + Grill network, the Weavers’ recognition highlights more than two decades of sustained growth, resilience, and operational leadership.
A Two-Decade Journey of Brand Stewardship
The trajectory of Brent and Sherry Weaver is deeply intertwined with the history and evolution of East Coast Wings + Grill itself. As two of the very first franchise owners to join the system, the couple entered the franchise network during its formative years, playing an instrumental role in shaping the brand’s identity across North Carolina. Over the past twenty-plus years, the restaurant industry has weathered significant economic shifts, including recessions, supply chain disruptions, and the unprecedented operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through every phase, the Weavers have maintained a standard of operational excellence that has frequently earned them top-tier corporate performance awards.
Operating multiple restaurant locations throughout the Winston-Salem area, the couple has cultivated a reputation for fostering loyal teams and establishing their dining establishments as reliable community hubs. Rather than treating their restaurants merely as commercial transactions, the Weavers have consistently prioritized a localized approach to hospitality, ensuring that guests experience a welcoming environment paired with consistent, high-quality execution from the kitchen to the dining room floor.
The International Franchise Association Recognition Criteria
The IFA Franchisee of the Year award is widely regarded as one of the highest honors bestowed upon individual franchise operators in the United States. Nominated directly by their respective corporate franchisors, honorees are selected from a diverse array of industries, ranging from quick-service and full-service dining to home services, fitness, and retail.
To qualify for consideration, candidates must demonstrate distinguished performance across several key pillars:
- Entrepreneurial Excellence: Sustained profitability, sound financial management, and effective multi-unit scalability.
- Workforce Development: Cultivating inclusive work environments, providing structured career pathways, and mentoring employees to assume leadership roles.
- Community Leadership: Active involvement in local philanthropic causes, disaster relief efforts, and civic engagement.
- System Support: Collaborating with franchisor leadership and fellow franchise owners to strengthen the broader brand network.
During the Washington, D.C. summit, Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, emphasized the vital role that exemplary operators play in the broader American economy.
"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 and celebrate their commitment to making a difference both within their business and beyond."
Visionary Expansion and Generational Succession
What sets the Weavers apart in the current economic climate is their forward-looking strategic vision. Rather than resting on the success of their established locations, the couple is actively investing in long-term growth and structural sustainability within North Carolina’s Piedmont region.
Their newest development project departs from traditional leasing models by taking control of the real estate development process from the ground up. By acquiring the land and acting as their own landlords, the Weavers are constructing a dedicated commercial center anchored by a newly developed East Coast Wings + Grill location. This real estate strategy not only diversifies their personal business portfolio but also strengthens the long-term equity of their enterprise.
Simultaneously, the couple is executing a careful generational succession plan. By actively mentoring their son, Andrew, the Weavers are preparing the next generation of leadership to assume operational control of the family’s restaurant portfolio. This deliberate transition ensures that the business will remain locally owned, operated, and deeply rooted in its community values for decades to come.
Philanthropic Leadership and Crisis Response
Beyond their business ventures, the Weavers have established a long-standing tradition of community service, most notably demonstrated during regional emergencies. In the wake of Hurricane Helene in 2024, which caused catastrophic devastation across parts of North Carolina and neighboring states, the Weavers mobilized their entire enterprise to deliver immediate relief.
Utilizing all three of their Winston-Salem area restaurants as central collection hubs, the couple rallied local diners, corporate support teams, and fellow franchise owners. Working in close coordination with ECW+G’s corporate support infrastructure, they organized large-scale donation drives that gathered thousands of essential items, non-perishable food supplies, and targeted care packages. These supplies were systematically transported and distributed to families and communities severely impacted by the storm, illustrating the practical power of localized franchise networks in times of crisis.
Sam Ballas, CEO and Founder of East Coast Wings + Grill, praised the couple’s multifaceted contributions to both the brand and the broader community.
"Brent and Sherry represent the very best of what franchising can be," Ballas noted. "They have built an exceptional business, but what stands out just as much is their generosity and their vision for the future. Brent and Sherry embody the spirit of this award, and we could not be prouder to see them recognized by the IFA."
Broader Implications for the Full-Service Restaurant Industry
The recognition of operators like the Weavers sheds light on the broader economic dynamics shaping the full-service restaurant and franchise sectors. In an industry facing persistent labor pressures, rising real estate costs, and evolving consumer expectations, scalable multi-unit operations anchored by experienced local owners continue to prove more resilient than corporate-heavy or strictly speculative models.
Furthermore, the emphasis on real estate ownership and generational transfer reflects a maturing franchise ecosystem. Successful operators are increasingly looking beyond short-term unit profitability to build lasting generational wealth and regional economic stability. By developing multi-unit footprints and anchoring commercial real estate projects, veteran franchisees help stabilize local tax bases, generate consistent employment opportunities, and anchor suburban and rural commercial corridors.
Looking Forward: Future Growth for ECW+G
Buoyed by the national recognition of its founding franchisees, East Coast Wings + Grill continues to position itself for strategic expansion. The brand actively seeks qualified entrepreneurial candidates interested in building scalable, community-centric, full-service restaurant concepts backed by an established operational and marketing infrastructure.
As the brand scales its footprint across target markets, the legacy established by operators like Brent and Sherry Weaver serves as both a benchmark for operational excellence and a blueprint for sustainable, community-focused growth within the competitive American restaurant industry. Prospective franchise partners seeking additional information regarding available territories and developmental support can visit the corporate franchise portal at www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
