UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) -- It may be the end of an era for a popular spot known for its worldwide chicken wing flavors.
International Wings Factory is set to close on March 25 after 13 years in business at 1762 First Ave. The closing comes due long long-term financial struggles brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The storefront earned its name for its unique chicken wing flavors such as Black Pepper Teriyaki, Vietnamese Chili Mango, Lemon Cajun, Tandoori Masala, and more.
Owner Deepak Ballaney opened the International Wings Factory on the Upper East Side in 2012 using his life savings. Shortly after achieving success, he expanded with a second location in Times Square.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14: A view of International Wings Factory's booth at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One - Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Trade Day at Grand Tasting hosted by Wine Spectator on October 14, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF)When the 2020 pandemic prompted closures across the hospitality industry, IWF's Upper East Side location managed to survive, however, its Times Square store was forced to permanently shut its doors.
Despite the store's hardship, Chef Deepak took part in providing meals to first responders who worked through the pandemic.
Chef Deepak worked to bring his culinary dreams to life by moving to New York City from India in 2003 and working to pay for his education at the Culinary Institute of America.
Although International Wings Factory is set to close on March 25, Chef Deepak says there's a possibility they could extend the store's opening until March 31 depending on business during its final days.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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