For years, running back was one of the marquee positions in pro football. Now, with the recent success of superstar ball carriers like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, feature backs have returned to bell-cow status. Think of wings like the RBs of your menu: versatile, dynamic centerpieces!
With practices back in full swing, you can start to feel the crunch of football season around the corner. And that means wings are almost as prized as the pigskin itself — no longer a casual summer shareable or app, but a must-have MVP as you watch your favorite team put a drive together. Ding, ding, ding! It’s time to build your fall gameplan around mighty wings.
Wings Keep Winning
When you break down the numbers and see the staying power plus the potential applications, it’s evident that chicken isn’t so little anymore. According to Datassential research1, just about half of all consumers order wings at restaurants — talk about a drive extender!
Not only that, but close to 60% of consumers2 order some type of fried chicken item at least once every three months or so — why not make those wing orders? Unlike some chicken meals, wings are endlessly customizable (just like your fantasy team), they’re relatively budget-friendly, and they hold new-flavor appeal for emerging generations.
Saucy Streak
When we talk wings, sauce is the true boss — kind of like sweet alternative jerseys, such as throwbacks, color rushes, and holiday classics. Dress up bone-in or boneless wings with everything from traditional to outlandish signature sauces that make fans sweat with FOMO on social media.
Like these spicy cheesy wings, a trick play designed to catch the competition off-guard. Drizzle jalapeno cheese sauce over wings coated in cayenne, cumin, and garlic powder for a captivating combo where nachos meet wings! Or turn to fruit & veggie flavors to take LTO wings all the way to the house — tempt taste buds by cooking boneless wings in a peach jerk sauce, starring brown sugar, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice. For a twist that’ll have LSU Tiger fans roaring, craft your own Cajun elote seasoning, using corn, mayo, Cotija cheese, and chipotle peppers.
Thirty-five percent3 of Gen Z’ers are increasing their chicken consumption, as are nearly 30% of millennials. Appeal to these younger fans with Latin-forward saucy flair, like wings tossed in melted butter combined with Contigo® Ancho Chile Paste, Contigo Al Pastor Paste, or Contigo Guajillo Chile Paste. Continue the Latin theme with fried wings dressed in a creamy Latin-Style Citrus Chili Sauce. And in case you couldn’t forget, it’s fall after all — get a jump on the spirit of the season with wings coated in Frank’s RedHot® Pumpkin Spice, a surefire attention-grabber.
Zing & Ding
In order to top the competition, you need more than the best plays — your personnel has to be world-class, as well. And there’s a reason Pilgrim’s® Foodservice Wing Dings® and Wing Zings® are the leading breaded wing brands in the country.
The Wing Dings retain their crispy texture and flavor over time, resulting in less cook loss than other brands, and they offer a consistent drum to flat ratio for enhanced plating. The Wing Zings are made with unique breading, featuring paprika and red pepper for a spicy flavor profile that won’t overwhelm. Pilgrim’s also offers rebates that can earn you hundreds back for cases ordered. Talk about a valued menu wingman!
In the foodservice industry, you need a trusted running back that can find the endzone and score when called upon. This season, let wings punch it in for fans and foodies alike!
1. Datassential Menu Trends; Grill Cook Bake survey of 2,500 Americans
2. Technomic 2023 U.S. Center of the Plate: Poultry & Seafood Trend Report
3. Datassential Keynote Reports: Meat, Poultry and Seafood, December 2024
*Content provided in collaboration with Pilgrim’s Foodservice