How to Have a Fun, Safe ‘Drinksgiving’ at Wings Etc.

As college students and friends gather at local bars on the eve of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember to be safe while having fun

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Nov. 18, 2021)—In recent years, the day before Thanksgiving has become an unofficial holiday as college students and family members travel back to their hometowns to gather for the coming days. What has become dubbed as “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday” is one of the busiest days for bars. In fact, a study conducted by restaurant management software company Upserve found that shot sales saw an increase of 173%, and overall sales went up 31% on average on Thanksgiving Eve of 2019 compared to the Wednesday prior. Of course, the pandemic put a halt to many holiday plans in 2020, but with loosened restrictions and family gatherings occurring once again, this year’s “Drinksgiving” is sure to be a busy night for restaurants and bars. While “Drinksgiving” can be a fun time to reunite with old friends and distant cousins, it’s important to remember to stay safe while having fun.

What is Drinksgiving?

There’s no defining year as to when Drinksgiving began, but for as long as there has been alcohol, people have gathered to share stories and laughter with drinks in hand. Drinksgiving, which takes place on Nov. 24, 2021, this year, is a time where adults, especially university students back for holiday break, gather at hometown bars and pubs to catch up with old friends. Since many have the following day off work for Thanksgiving, Drinksgiving has become a day to celebrate without the worry of getting to bed early for the next day. In the Chicago area, the day is often referred to as “Blackout Wednesday.”

How To Celebrate?

There are many ways to celebrate Drinksgiving at Wings Etc. Grill & Pub, where most locations offer a full bar and a variety of favorite beers on tap. Not sure what to order? Here are some cocktails to help keep you warm this holiday season:

  1. Harvest Punch – Apple Juice, Cranberry Juice, and Rum
  2. Cranberry Spritzer – Cranberry Juice, Gin, and Seltzer
  3. Cran-Apple – Cranberry Juice, Apple Crown, and Sierra Mist
  4. Holiday Mule – Cranberry Juice, Vodka, and Ginger Beer
  5. Cranberry Bourbon – Cranberry Juice, Bourbon, and Simple Syrup


Remember To Stay Safe

While Drinksgiving is one of the busiest days for bars and restaurants, it’s also one of the busiest for law enforcement who work hard to keep citizens safe. Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that law enforcement officers see an uptick in alcohol-related crashes and stops around the Thanksgiving holiday. Before you head out to Wings Etc. on Drinksgiving, make a plan to get home safely.

Ask a family member to pick you up, designate a sober driver to make sure you and your friends get home safely or utilize a ride-share app. No matter what, never drive impaired.

This Thanksgiving many families will reunite to mark a time of togetherness. To help jumpstart the celebration, visit your local Wings Etc. for “Good Food, Great Times.”

Please drink responsibly.

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.

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