SEMO men’s basketball player signs endorsement deal with Wings Etc. Cape Girardeau

Redhawks junior Nygal Russell enters name, image, and likeness deal with Wings Etc. Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Aug. 11, 2021) — In a company first, Wings Etc. Cape Girardeau franchisees Joe and Michelle Hobbs entered into a name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy deal with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) men’s basketball player Nygal Russell. The deal, according to Joe Hobbs, is mutually beneficial for those involved.

“Nygal has a great online following, so what this deal means for us is that he will use his brand to promote Wings Etc. to his followers,” said Hobbs, who noted that doing so will help the local sports bar reach the college market. “We’re looking to reach into the SEMO market and are excited for the relationships that will come from this partnership.”

In July, the NCAA announced an interim policy that allows student-athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness. This means students can now partner with businesses to become paid brand ambassadors.

According to Hobbs, Russell, a junior at SEMO, was the first from the university to sign a NIL deal.

“We’re really excited about this partnership with Nygal,” said Hobbs. “We are big supporters of SEMO and student-athletes; this is another way we can help support student-athletes and give back to our community, which is a vital part of the Wings Etc. mission.”

Joe and Michelle Hobbs own Wings Etc. Cape Girardeau, located at 3047 Williams St., Suite 105 in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Wings Etc. Jackson, located at 2003 E. Jackson Boulevard in Jackson, Mo. They plan to open a third location in Dexter later this year.

About the Wings Etc. Grill & Pub Franchise Opportunity

Founded in 1994 by Jim Weaver in the South Bend, Indiana, area, Wings Etc. is a family-friendly grill and pub with a diverse menu featuring award-winning jumbo Buffalo wings, over 20 signature sauces and rubs, premium burgers, wraps, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, subs, kids meals, over 40 domestic and craft beer selections in bottles and on tap, dozens of large HDTVs tuned to sports programming, and a casual, non-corporate-y, laid-back “vibe” that makes people want to just come in and hang out. In addition to its popular sports programming, menu, and beverage options, Wings Etc. offers weekday lunch and food specials, online ordering, and much more.

Franchising since 2004, Wings Etc. Grill & Pub has been named one of Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future Franchises,” has been named one of Franchise Gator’s “Top 100 Franchises” for several years, and was named a 2020 “Culture 100 Best of the Best” franchise by Franchise Business Review. In June 2021, Wings Etc. was named a “Top 200 Food Franchise” and a “Top 500 North American Franchise” by Entrepreneur Magazine. Wings Etc. continues to grow and succeed by partnering with franchise operators who share the Wings Etc. Vision, Mission, and Values, a commitment to building a successful business while helping build stronger communities and people (and to having fun!).

Wings Etc. offers single and multi-unit franchise options. The initial franchise fee is $39,500, with a $200,000 liquid cash investment, and $500,000 minimum net worth requirement for interested prospects. Wings Etc. offers one of the lowest startup costs and break-even franchise opportunities in the full-service restaurant segment. Priority growth markets include Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Alabama and Florida.

For more information about the Wings Etc. franchise opportunity, visit  www.wingsetcfranchise.com.