New wings eatery to launch next week

Come Monday, Chapel Hill residents will have another option when they crave buffalo wings.

Ba-Da Wings, which already has a location in Athens, Ga., the home of the University of Georgia, will open in the former location of the Inside Scoop on Airport Road.

Joshua Greene, who owns the Chapel Hill location, said the owners decided on opening a restaurant in Chapel Hill because Ba-Da Wings caters to the college demographic.

"I think we offer a good alternative to a lot of the food that's out there on college campuses," he said.

Ba-Da Wings boasts boneless wings and 25 different kinds of sauce.

Greene added that while the store is open for carry-out and sit-down meals, the delivery aspect has great appeal for most college students.

Greene said he will be working with Campusfood.com for online deliveries as well.

"We'll start out and be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day, and that goes for delivery as well," Greene said. "We may start being open later on Fridays and Saturdays."

As for competing restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, located on West Franklin Street, Greene said the product quality, variety of flavors and the difference in product give Ba-Da Wings an edge.

"I see (BW3s) as a competitor, but I also see it as giving the people of Chapel Hill more choice, and that makes both of us do our jobs better," he said.

BW3's assistant general manager, Travis John Hatten, said he is confident that the new restaurant won't have a strong effect on his establishment.

"I don't think anyone can top the Buffalo Wings concept," he said, adding that his restaurant has a different atmosphere from Ba-Da Wings.

Other businesses, particularly those who will call Ba-Da Wings a neighbor in the Midtown Market, expressed excitement about the new opening.

Flying Burrito owner Phil Campbell is optimistic about how Ba-Da Wings will benefit other businesses in the market.

"I don't think it will do anything but help us down here," he said.

Campbell added that any reason to draw more people to the area would be a positive factor.

Sarah Foster, owner of Foster's Market, expressed similar sentiments.

"I think competition is good for everybody," she said.

Another Ba-Da Wings is set to open in Raleigh by next summer.

Staff Writer Zach Jepsen contributed to this story.

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.