Partners, today announced that it will be converting its Charlotte,
NC, EpiCentre location from a franchised restaurant to a corporate-
owned and managed operation.
As part of Wild Wing's strategy to revitalize key locations across the
country, the EpiCentre location will undergo remodeling through August
23, in time for the Democratic National Convention.
"The EpiCentre is an important location for us, and we look forward to
continuing to provide our customers with a great dining and
entertainment experience at this location and across our entire
system," said Muhsin "Moose" Muhammad II, a managing director at
Charlotte-based Axum Capital Partners, the private equity firm that
acquired Wild Wing in January.
Wild Wing Cafe currently has 34 restaurants across the Carolinas,
Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, and Florida. Since its inception
in 1990, Wild Wing has established a strong brand based on its ability
to offer consumers high-quality food at attractive prices. Building
on this strong platform, Wild Wing is poised for substantial growth
over the next several months.
"We're totally bullish on the Charlotte market," said Wild Wing Cafe
CEO William E. Prather. "The EpiCentre location has especially strong
potential because of the uptown sports activities and its proximity to
the light rail line."
Other Wild Wing Cafes in Charlotte are located in the Ayrsley (South
Tryon Street at I-485) and the University City area (West Mallard
Creek Church Road).
The planned remodeling will include relocation of the performance
stage to further enhance the restaurant's entertainment component,
which features live local and national bands, as well as other
improvements aimed at providing a great customer experience. "Wild
Wing Cafe is also known for its sports emphasis, which will be
highlighted in the remodeled restaurant," said Muhammad, a former pro
football player for the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers.
Axum Capital Partners focuses on making strategic equity investments
in lower middle market privately held businesses across North America.
Axum's target markets include fast-casual or differentiated-casual
restaurants, early childhood educational services, and other markets
that share similar fundamental characteristics. The firm was co-
founded by Muhsin Muhammad, II (former Chicago Bear and Carolina
Panther), Edna Morris (former president of Red Lobster and Quincy's
Family Steakhouse), Raymond C. Groth (former head of mergers and
acquisitions at First Union/Wachovia Securities, now Wells Fargo), and
Denis Ackah-Yensu (formerly with McColl Partners and Citigroup). For
more information visit: www.axum-partners.com.
