Columbus businessman sets date for opening of new Wild Wing Cafe

A Columbus businessman has set the date for the debut of his second Wild Wing Cafe in the area and it is Sept. 29.

Sanjay Choudhury, who opened the Wild Wing Cafe on Whittlesey Boulevard two years ago, said the new restaurant at 3040 Capps Landing in the Capps Landing development of Opelika, Ala., is nearly completed, with the search for 150 to 160 full-time and part-time employees under way.

The Capps Landing area is a newer property development just south of Interstate 85 and the popular Tiger Town commercial area on Gateway Drive and off Exit 58.

Choudhury, who also is a partner with Trevor Morris at Trevioli Italian Kitchen on Blackmon Road in Columbus, said he has received support from Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller in the venture and that he’s “very thankful to be part of the city of Opelika.” Future locations for Wild Wing Cafe by Choudhury are in the Alabama cities of Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery, he said.

Wild Wing Cafe is a concept launched in 1990 in Hilton Head, S.C., with it now having 44 locations in nine states — counting the new one in Opelika. Most are in the Southeast, with one in New Jersey.

“Hot wings, cold beer, good times” is the chain’s motto. The menu includes, naturally, chicken wings — 33 flavors in all. But handmade angus burgers, ribs, chicken tenders, shrimp skewers, sandwiches and salads round out the food offerings. There also will be more than 30 types of beer available.

General manager for the Wild Wing Cafe in Opelika is Ted Cardwell, who also has worked as a chef at Alfredos of Rome in Epcot Center in Walt Disney World, Choudhury said. He also has managed various eateries, including CiCi’s Pizza, The Brick Oven Café and Monkey Business at Hilton Head Island. Assistant manager is Auburn native Adrian Oliver, who has worked previously at Full Moon BBQ and LongHorn Steakhouse. Rob Thiele is the front of the house manager.

The Opelika Wild Wing Cafe is nearly 9,500 square feet, significantly larger than the Columbus restaurant, Choudhury said. That includes a bigger kitchen, a patio, a stage and more expansive family dining room area. Like the $3.4 million Columbus location, entertainment will be a major component of the new restaurant, with musicians performing acoustic sets at times, and comedy nights and live-band karaoke part of the mix. There also will be several dozen high-definition TV screens inside the venue, often tuned to sporting events.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Columbus businessman sets date for opening of new Wild Wing Cafe."