As hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina, it left devastation in its wake. The storm ravaged homes, destroyed vital infrastructure, and left thousands of families displaced and struggling. In the wake of such destruction, communities across the state were left grappling with the aftermath—trees toppled, power lines down, and entire neighborhoods flooded. Western North Carolina, in particular, bore the brunt of the storm, with Asheville and surrounding areas severely impacted as well. With homes and businesses underwater, the recovery seemed daunting. But in times of crisis, the spirit of the community shined through.
For East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a brand deeply rooted in North Carolina, the devastation hit close to home. The leadership team and its network of franchisees felt compelled to help their neighbors. When the news of the damage in Asheville reached the ECW+G family, they knew they had to take action.
As CEO and founder Sam Ballas put it, “Our hearts, like many, are broken by the devastation in Asheville. It hits a little different knowing our neighboring community is suffering. We knew we had to do something, anything, to help. Hopefully, our care packages and donations bring a little bit of comfort to our family and friends in western North Carolina. It’s going to be a long road to rebuild, but we’ll be there every step of the way”.
The company immediately mobilized its team to lend a hand, understanding the importance of community in times like these. Longtime franchisees, Brent and Sherry Weaver, who have been part of the East Coast Wings + Grill family for 20 years, stepped up to lead the initiative. The couple immediately jumped into action, organizing a donation drive at all three of their Winston-Salem area locations. In addition to the items they received from their guests, (including everything from food, diapers, gas, cans, clothes, hygiene supplies, many cases of water), the ECW+G franchise support team packed care packages that were delivered with the help of Emission Air ministry and 865 Transporting. The care packages were designed to meet immediate needs. Each one contained essential items such as socks, can openers, handsanitizer, deodorant, other toiletries and personal notes of encouragement, along with diapers and necessities for the youngest and oldest impacted by the storm.
The team also reached out to their partners – Dole, ConAgra, Diversified Foods, Keurig Dr. Pepper, PacTiv., JTM Food Group, Piantedosi and Mrs. T's Pierogies – who were happy to add food donations to the cause. These packages were not only to lend some aid but to serve as a reminder to the families who received them that they weren’t alone.
“It was about more than just the essentials,” said Ballas. “We wanted to bring some small comforts during an incredibly tough time. People have lost so much, and while these care packages can’t rebuild homes, they can offer a glimmer of hope.”
The Weavers’ journey was a testament to the company’s long-standing commitment to service and community
involvement. Having been with ECW+G for two decades, the couple has built more than just a business—they have become integral members of the communities they served.
“We’ve been a part of East Coast Wings + Grill for 20 years, and this is more than just a job to us—it’s a family,” the Weavers said. “When we saw what was happening in Asheville, we didn’t think twice. These are our neighbors, and we’re committed to doing whatever we can to help them get through this”.
For East Coast Wings + Grill, this is not the first time the company has stepped up with community giveback. Over the years, the brand has been involved in numerous charitable efforts, from food drives to disaster relief. Most recently, ECW+G participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness giveback, donating $1 per “Pink Ribbon” drink ordered to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. But this particular effort hit especially close to home, given the brand’s North Carolina roots. The company’s leadership, staff, and franchisees view their role not just as business operators but as community builders.
“The recovery is going to take time,” Ballas said. “But it’s moments like these that remind us of the power of community. We’re proud to be part of the effort to help rebuild and support our neighbors in western North Carolina. This is what being part of a local business is all about—being there for your community when it needs you the most.”
Through their efforts, East Coast Wings + Grill demonstrated that the heart of a business extends far beyond its doors. In the face of tragedy, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their community, showing that, for them, their business is about more than just food.