Atomic Wings Ignites Growth, Banking on Halal Niche and New York Roots

NEW YORK, NY – May 26, 2026 – New York-born chicken wing brand Atomic Wings is poised for an explosive year, announcing plans to open over 20 new restaurants in 2026. This aggressive expansion strategy is set to nearly double the company's current footprint of 24 locations, signaling a pivotal moment for the fast-casual chain known for its authentic Buffalo-style wings and commitment to fresh ingredients.

While the expansion includes a strategic push into new states, the company is emphatically doubling down on its home turf. The growth plan earmarks five new locations for New York—including two in Brooklyn, two in Queens, and a new sports bar concept in Manhattan—and another six for neighboring New Jersey. This deepens the brand's regional dominance while it simultaneously plants flags in new territories across the country.

"We're at a pivotal moment as a brand," said Zak Omar, CEO of Atomic Wings, in a recent statement. "Atomic Wings is looking to skyrocket, and this year we're on pace for up to 100% growth. What makes this especially meaningful is that we're doing it by doubling down on our home market."

A Calculated Growth Explosion

The projection of nearly 100% growth in a single year stands in stark contrast to the broader fast-food chicken industry's already impressive but more modest projected compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. Atomic Wings' ambitious target is the culmination of a decade of steady development since brothers Zak and Ray Omar acquired the brand in 2014 when it had just two locations. The company has since cultivated a resilient franchise model, growing to 24 locations by early 2026.

This growth is built on a solid financial foundation, with individual locations historically averaging revenues between $830,000 and $900,000, according to franchise disclosure documents and past reports. The brand's focus on a takeout and delivery-centric model proved exceptionally durable during the pandemic, with some units reporting sales increases of over 100% during that period. Now, the company is innovating its physical presence, developing larger store prototypes of 1,600-2,000 square feet for suburban markets—some featuring alcohol sales—and even introducing drive-thru locations in Houston and Illinois to capture a wider customer base.

The Halal Advantage in a Crowded Market

In the fiercely competitive chicken wing segment, dominated by giants like Wingstop and Buffalo Wild Wings, Atomic Wings has carved out a defensible and highly valuable niche. Founded in 1989, the brand has always prioritized quality, using fresh, never-frozen, all-natural, and hormone-free chicken. However, its most significant differentiator is its status as the first halal-certified wing company.

This certification provides a powerful competitive advantage, granting the brand exclusive access to a growing and loyal demographic of Muslim consumers seeking dietary-compliant options. In diverse markets like New York and New Jersey, this is not just a niche but a substantial customer base. Beyond this core group, the halal certification, paired with its all-natural promise, enhances the brand's appeal to a broader audience of health-conscious consumers who associate the standard with higher quality and ethical production.

This unique selling proposition, combined with a menu of 15 proprietary sauces, allows Atomic Wings to offer a distinct product that stands apart from the freezer-to-fryer model common in the industry.

Doubling Down on Hometown Roots

For CEO Zak Omar, the expansion is not just a business strategy—it's personal. Two of the new Queens locations are deeply connected to his family's history. One is planned for Fresh Meadows, where his brother attended high school, and another in Maspeth, where Omar himself grew up.

"These locations mean a lot to our family," Omar stated. "Fresh Meadows and Maspeth are not just strategic markets for us — they're personal. There's something really special about bringing the brand into neighborhoods that helped shape who we are. As we grow, we want to do it in a way that feels connected to our roots."

This sentiment reflects a broader strategy of embedding the brand within the communities it serves, building on the local loyalty that has been its foundation since 1989.

A Franchise Model Built by Franchisees

Driving the expansion is a franchise system designed with the operator in mind. The Omar brothers, former multi-unit Dunkin' franchisees themselves, have structured a support system that resonates with entrepreneurs. This includes comprehensive training, marketing support, and a demonstrated willingness to adapt. During the pandemic, for instance, the company reportedly slashed royalties in half to ease the burden on its partners.

This operator-first mentality is attracting experienced developers like Moe Moustafa, who owns the brand's two Brooklyn locations and is now leading the charge to open six new restaurants in New Jersey.

"Having the opportunity to grow with Atomic Wings in both Brooklyn and now New Jersey speaks to the strength of the brand and the opportunity we see ahead," said Moustafa. "The concept resonates because it delivers quality, consistency and bold flavor, and we believe there is tremendous room for growth throughout the region."

To further empower its franchisees, Atomic Wings has also invested in data-driven tools, partnering with real estate analytics firms to identify prime locations and ensure that new stores are positioned for success from day one.

From the Big Apple to the Broader Nation

While New York and New Jersey remain the heart of the operation, Atomic Wings' 2026 pipeline reflects a growing national appetite for the brand. Nine additional openings are slated for Texas, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois. This follows a successful entry into these markets in recent years, demonstrating that the concept's appeal extends far beyond the Northeast.

This national push is not a one-size-fits-all rollout. The company is strategically adapting its model to fit regional tastes and real estate opportunities, from the new drive-thru concepts in Texas and Illinois to larger-format restaurants in the Midwest. As Atomic Wings scales, it remains focused on preserving the authentic brand identity and commitment to quality that have fueled its journey from a single New York storefront to a burgeoning national chain. As the brand expands its footprint, all eyes will be on whether its unique recipe of local authenticity and strategic niche marketing can sustain its explosive growth on a national stage.