Employees from three closed Detroit Wing Company locations have expressed their shock after learning just hours before work that the stores would not reopen.
One franchise operator made the sudden decision over the weekend to permanently shut down these branches in Detroit, Michigan.
Sudden Closure Shocks Detroit Wing Employees
The Detroit Wing Company's outlets in Davison, Grand Blanc, and Oxford closed suddenly. Staff were informed on the evening of April 14, just before their next shift.
Alex Hinton, the former kitchen manager at the Grand Blanc location, shared his surprise with local CBS affiliate WNEM. "I was just like, 'That's a bit of a shock,'" he said.
Hinton vividly remembered the moment he was told about the closure. "I can actually remember it word for word because it was very, very clear in my head. He said, 'I got a call, and we got some news, and we had to make a business decision, and we'll be closing effective immediately,'" Hinton recalled.
Having managed the Detroit Wing Company kitchen for two years, Hinton had overseen operations during three Super Bowls. He fondly recalled the first Super Bowl after they opened. "We actually ended up having 4,000 wings on our screen at one time," he said, reflecting on the bustling atmosphere and the high demand they managed.
Gus Malliaras has confirmed that the three Detroit Wing Company locations, operated by a franchisee, have closed. "We regretfully confirm that the independent franchisee operator of these three locations did, in fact, close their doors, though our corporate team is diligently working to reopen all three locations as soon as possible," Malliaras stated.
Social media reports also indicate that these locations' closures came without any prior warning.
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Local Wing Company Closes Amid Financial Troubles'
Hinton revealed on Facebook that three Detroit Wing Company locations have shut down due to financial issues. "It comes down to business and money running out," he wrote, detailing the owners' distress as they explained the situation. Hinton disclosed that senior management was unaware of the impending closures until the evening they were announced.
Despite the dwindling business, the owners extended operations for 3-6 months longer than was advisable to maintain staff salaries. "The business was slowing, and ownership made the choice to stay open as long as possible to keep employees paid," Hinton added.
Ashlee Renee Hull, a manager at another closing location, shared her experience in a Facebook post, noting the emotional difficulty of processing the closure. She found out about losing her job late Sunday evening. "The owners have invested heavily, only to lose everything. I am incredibly sorry to all my staff; working with you has been a pleasure," she said.
Employees and community members praised the owners' kindness and concern during this challenging time. One employee recounted, "We spent hours just talking and crying in Davison last night. The owners were more concerned about their staff and families than their losses. They are truly amazing people."
Another local businessman expressed his sadness and support: "I'm so sad to see you go. I can also attest to the kindness of the owners. I wish you all the best in navigating these hard times," he commented on Facebook.
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