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Sports Chicken & Good Times

From finance to franchise; One man’s journey to owning a popular and successful wing joint.

Article by Chris Watson

Photography by Terry Fravel

Originally published in Canton Lifestyle

Roosters Wings is a casual restaurant that offers award-winning chicken wings, a family-friendly atmosphere and remarkable value. Established in 1988, the Ohio-based chain now has over 40 locations. Shawn Wilson didn’t plan on owning one but plans change.

He met his wife Amy as she kicked he and his friends out of a Roosters for being “annoying.” She happened to be the manager and the daughter of the original founders. Two years after that unceremonious beginning, they tied the knot.

Shawn worked as an Investment Advisor in 2008 when he was offered ownership of the Jackson Township Roosters. The location had been struggling, the original proprietor had jumped ship and no other managers were willing to tackle the notoriously difficult challenge of nursing an ailing restaurant back to profitability.

Roosters Canton is giving away $1000 in prizes on Facebook to tie-in with the college basketball tournament, including a $50 gift card every month for the rest of the year.

The humongous chicken wings that have made Roosters famous are prepared fresh, hand-breaded and smothered with one (or more) of a dozen mouthwatering wing sauces. Not every restaurant has the space to prepare hundreds of wings to-order, but Roosters takes no shortcuts when it comes to wings. Other popular menu items include their signature Red Rooster salad and an Italian sub featuring their house-made dressing.

Roosters is the official wing sponsor of Ohio State Athletics and the founders donated $18 million to the Wexner Medical Center. They have contributed annually to the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer as well.

Inspired by tales of humble beginnings from his in-laws, Shawn was compelled to accept. Amy had been around Roosters for years and was invaluable as a co-owner. The two spent their first three years managing on opposite shifts and their passion drove them to transform the Canton location into a successful, well-established part of the community. Along the way they have built a tight-knit family of talented team members who share that same passion for the brand.

The COVID-19 pandemic sent the state into lockdown just after the beginning of the college basketball tournament last March, normally a bustling season. “We were very concerned for our business and the wellbeing of our staff whom we consider family.” Looking back, Shawn laments on being forced to furlough employees. But with the COVID situation improving and easing restrictions, Shawn and his crew are primed for a stellar season and a terrific 2021. You can contact Roosters Canton, located at 4335 Dressler Rd. NW, by calling 330.546.7001 or checking out their Facebook page.

To protect guests and staff during the pandemic, Roosters constructed rolling dividers to help maintain social distancing, individually wraps silverware, provides guests with disposable menus and adheres to strict sanitation routines.

In 2015, Shawn and Amy built and opened Game Time Bar & Grill in Perry Township. Since it is not a franchise, Amy had free rein in designing the menu and decor of the establishment. It has a sports bar feel with a relaxed atmosphere, live music most weekends and free Sporcle Trivia Nights. Chef Brian produces weekly specials during the winter months as well.

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