East Coast Wings + Grill Names Top 3 Fan Flavor Showdown Finalists as Voting Opens and Summer Escape Menu Launches

East Coast Wings + Grill names top 3 fan flavor finalists.

Read the original at Franchising.com
East Coast Wings + Grill Names Top 3 Fan Flavor Showdown Finalists as Voting Opens and Summer Escape Menu Launches

TL;DR

East Coast Wings + Grill has named the top 3 finalists in its Fan Flavor Showdown, with voting open until July 28. The brand has also launched its Summer Escape limited-time menu, featuring tropical-inspired dishes and drinks.

Also launching today is the brand's Summer Escape limited-time menu.

After receiving close to 80 guest submissions between April 27 and May 8, ECW+G selected top finalists based on creativity, flavor appeal, and fit with the existing menu of 50-plus signature flavors.

  • BBQ Peppercorn (Honey BBQ + Parmesan Peppercorn), created by Natalie Rinehardt in Albermarle, NC

  • Carolina Ranch (Sweet & Bold BBQ + Ranch Dressing), created by Emma Campbell in Albermarle, NC

  • Korean Thai (Korean BBQ + Chili Thai), created by Daniel Robertson an employee at the location in King, NC

"We’re proud to involve our guests in the development of our menu, and loved reading the dozens of creative ideas," said Sam Ballas, Founder and CEO of ECW+G. "Each of these three finalists brought something different to the table, and now it's up to our fans to decide which one earns a place in the lineup this fall."

From today through July 28, guests can place their vote by ordering any of the top finalist wing flavors through the ECW+G app. Each order counts as a vote. The flavor with the most orders by the close of voting earns a prize and a permanent spot on the ECW+G menu beginning Fall 2026.

The winner will be revealed on National Chicken Wing Day, Wednesday, July 29, and the winning flavor will be available to add to any menu item for free to guests at participating locations on that day.

Also launching today, the Summer Escape limited-time menu brings a tropical twist to ECW+G for a limited time. The menu features:

  • Pineapple Shrimp Salad: Crisp chopped lettuce topped with Tajin® seasoned grilled shrimp, cucumber, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla strips and sweet pineapple salsa.

  • Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich: Juicy grilled chicken topped with grilled pineapple, provolone, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of honey mustard.

  • Hawaiian Flavor: Teriyaki with hints of ginger, sesame and chunks of pineapple. Try it on your wings, burger sandwich, or wrap.

  • Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita: Sweet pineapple meets fiery jalapeño and tequila, balanced with citrus and a Tajin rim.

  • Pineapple Refresher Mocktail: Pineapple, lime, and a hint of sweetness topped with a splash of soda for a light tropical escape.

The Fan Flavor Showdown and Summer Escape menu are the next chapters in ECW+G's summer campaign building to National Chicken Wing Day on July 29. The day will include in-restaurant celebrations and other activities for guests. The brand also has a few additional surprises in store for guests that celebrate in person or want to have a party at home to join in on the fun.

"The Fan Flavor Showdown gives our guests a real voice in what shows up on our menu," said Ashley Mitchell, VP of Marketing at ECW+G. "Pair that with everything we have planned for National Chicken Wing Day, and we have a summer built around the people who love flavor as much as we do."

To download the app and cast a vote, guests can visit the App Store or Google Play.

In this story

This story was originally published in Franchising.com on May 20, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.

Read the full story at Franchising.com

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