New Orleans’ famous World of Wings (WOW) will fly the coop and head north to Philadelphia this summer as the start of a major national expansion. Ballard Brands teams up with Garces restaurants for a new ghost kitchen that will operate out of The Olde Bar in Old City District.
Over the years, WOW has grown to 55+ brick-and-mortar locations in 25+ states and now heads to even more cities across America as a ghost kitchen concept, with the first opening in Philadelphia.
The World of Wings launch in Philadelphia is the start of big things to come for Ballard and Garces. WOW will begin a national expansion that begins in Philadelphia - and will continue throughout the summer and into the fall in cities across America.
For Garces, WOW is the second ghost kitchen to launch successfully out of The Olde Bar, based in Old City, Philadelphia. WOW follows the ground-breaking launch of Garces Trading Company - a giant ghost kitchen, online marketplace and corporate dining solution that debuted in November of 2020.
“It has been great collaborating with my partners at Ballard Brands to bring World of Wings to Philadelphia,” said Garces. “The process has allowed me to use traditional flavor profiles inspired by the Graces’ portfolio in all new ways. This new ghost kitchen launch, and our continued pivots, have set us up for future success, while expanding opportunities for our valued Garces employees. Any opportunity that lets me and the Garces team get out of the box, get creative and look ahead is a welcome one.”
The menu of fresh (never frozen) wings, tenders and classic American snacks that showcases WOW's Southern signature sauces and made-from-scratch spice rubs will also feature new recipes and inspiration from Garces restaurants Amada, Village Whiskey and Okatshe.
The Garces culinary team proudly introduces:
- Village Whiskey Golden Hot Sauce, served at Village Whiskey on their smoked wings is a mustard-based sauce with just the right amount of heat.
- Espelette Hot Sauce, inspired by Amada, pays homage to Chef's time in Spain where the special Espelette Pepper originates. It's a combination of a traditional hot wing sauce and a sweet and spicy sauce. The Espelette Peppers give it a unique and complex flavor profile not found in other peppers.
- Ginger Garlic Chile Scallion Sauce, a savory, umami-based sauce, is Chef's favorite Asian inspired condiment which was developed while working on the menu at Okatshe in Atlantic City, NJ.
The WOW brand has fiercely loyal fans of the New Orleans flavor around the county. New fans in Philadelphia will discover the attention to detail and signature flavors that have made WOW a winner for Best Wings in New Orleans for eight years in a row.
“We are honored to work with one of Philly’s best hometown chefs and our partner, Jose Garces,” said Ballard Brands CEO Peter Boylan. “In a city where delicious dishes and big tastes rule, the introduction of the World of Wings marries fresh ingredients and world-renowned flavors with Garces-inspired sauces.”
Delivery launches on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, on Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash and Caviar.
Hours will be Wednesday and Thursday, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday, from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday, from 12:00pm Noon to 10:00pm, and Sunday 12:00 Noon to 9:00pm.
Marilyn Johnson is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of the Greater Philadelphia area and South Jersey. News tips: phillygrub@gmail.com.