Ker's WingHouse Bar & Grill Adds Industry Experts to Management Team as Part of Expansion Plans

LARGO, Fla., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ker's WingHouse Bar & Grill, a Largo, Fla.-based sports-themed wing and casual dining restaurant chain founded by Florida Gator and National Football League (NFL) veteran Crawford Ker, announced today it has added two industry experts to its management team. The additions of Rick Akam as chief operating officer and Jim Humboldt as chief financial officer are part of WingHouse's plans to build the brand's presence across Florida and throughout the U.S.

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"Jim and Rick each have 30-year track records working with some of the most well-known restaurant brands in the industry and will play key roles in driving WingHouse's growth forward," said Crawford Ker, CEO and founder of Ker's WingHouse Bar & Grill. "Backed by our experienced restaurant team and unique approach to casual dining, WingHouse is strongly positioned to expand across the country through both corporate and franchise development."

Akam is a seasoned restaurant executive with extensive experience in consulting and operations. He spent nearly 20 years as president and CEO of Hooters of America and most recently served as senior vice president of Twin Peaks, the mountain-themed sports bar specializing in regional comfort food with a dozen locations throughout Texas. He also founded Akam & Associates, LLC, a restaurant consulting firm and served as chief operating officer of First Watch Restaurants and Raving Brands.

Humboldt has more than 30 years of financial leadership in public, private and venture capital environments, including 15 years in chief financial officer roles. Prior to joining WingHouse, Humboldt was chief financial officer for the 215-unit Beef 'O' Brady's Family Sports Pub. He also held senior-level financial positions with FrankCrum, Inc. and Kane Furniture Corp., as well as with Crabby Bill's Restaurants, Inc. and General Mills Inc.

Since its inception, WingHouse's mission has been to be "Brilliant on the Basics."  A full liquor sports bar, fantastic chicken wings and award-winning hot sauces served up by the famous WingHouse girls, set the restaurants apart from the competition. Emphasizing fresh products over frozen, WingHouse's oversized portions and classic American fare include other signature items such as skinless drumettes, naked wings, the Dallas burger and a new drink menu.

Each WingHouse features a state-of-the-art television package and sports memorabilia adorning the walls.  Most locations offer a game room and the always-smiling WingHouse girls help to create the restaurant's ambiance. Popular items, such as an annual WingHouse swimsuit calendar, t-shirts and award-winning hot sauces, are available for purchase at each location.

In addition to great food and drinks, WingHouse restaurants are active in the local communities in which they operate. From supporting local charities to sponsoring events, WingHouse prides itself on being an integral part of the neighborhood.

Today, WingHouse has 21 locations throughout Florida in Altamonte Springs, Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Largo, New Port Richey, Ocala, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Sanford, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Winter Park.

WingHouse is currently seeking candidates to open additional franchise locations throughout Florida. This is an opportunity for interested and experienced multi-unit operators with a net worth of $1.5 million and $600,000 in liquid assets.  Single-unit developers are required to possess $750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $1.5 million. For more information about franchise opportunities, please visit www.winghousefranchising.com.

About Ker's WingHouse
Ker's WingHouse is a sports bar style restaurant serving their World Famous chicken wings, award-winning sauces and many other oversized entrees at a great value. Signature items include their skinless naked wings, the Dallas burger and a new drink menu. The main attractions are the World Famous WingHouse Girls who are always polite and always-smiling with a great positive outlook on life. The WingHouse mission is to be "Brilliant on the Basics," in our business that means highly satisfied guests!  Need we say more! For additional information, please visit www.winghouse.com.

Contact:
Ashley Rodriguez
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Ker's WingHouse Bar & Grill