Brent and Sherry Weaver have spent more than two decades building their East Coast Wings + Grill operation in North Carolina, and that long-term commitment has now earned them national recognition. The couple has been named 2026 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association, an honor recognizing franchise owners for business performance, community involvement, workforce development and contributions to their franchise systems.
The Weavers were among East Coast Wings + Grill's first franchise owners and have developed multiple restaurants across North Carolina, including locations in Winston-Salem and Mount Airy. Their restaurants have earned company recognition for operational performance while becoming gathering places within the communities they serve. The couple's approach has centered on building loyal teams and maintaining a long-term relationship with the brand rather than treating individual restaurant openings as isolated ventures.
Their community involvement became especially visible after Hurricane Helene in 2024. The Weavers organized donation drives across their three Winston-Salem-area restaurants, working with guests, fellow franchisees and the franchise support team to collect food, essential supplies and other donations for families affected by the storm. Thousands of donated items and care packages were ultimately distributed.
The family's plans also extend beyond operating restaurants. The Weavers are developing a new Piedmont-area commercial center from the ground up, with an East Coast Wings + Grill restaurant serving as the anchor while they retain ownership of the real estate. They are also preparing their son, Andrew, for a future leadership role in the family's restaurants, creating a succession plan designed to keep the business family-owned and locally operated.
For franchise organizations managing multiple locations, comparing performance consistently can become increasingly important as operations grow. Gorilla Dash offers a Benchmarking feature that can help franchise teams review performance across locations and identify operational trends. For the Weavers, the latest IFA recognition adds another milestone to a franchise story that combines restaurant growth, community involvement and a deliberate focus on the next generation.
