From NY Streets to Florida Eats: How Wings Plus Took Flight
- eileen strauss
- 17 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Before Coral Springs knew him as the man behind Wings Plus in Coral Springs, Florida, Brian Walsh Sr. patrolled the toughest corners of Long Island. As a first responder, Walsh spent years on the front lines, fighting crime and facing danger.
In 1988, Walsh hung up his NYPD badge and swapped the city beat for the Florida heat. With his wife and five kids in tow, he headed to the sunshine state and opened Wings Plus. What started as a modest neighborhood spot soon became a community hub for family dinners, youth team gatherings, and game-day orders. The grit of his cop years gave way to the joys of running a South Florida centerpiece—and Walsh never looked back.
Commanding the Kitchen
In late-’80s South Florida, chicken wings weren’t exactly in demand. So the future "wing king" did what he did best, responding like he was cracking a case, and serving only fresh (never frozen) wings, keeping the dining room spotless, and making service attentive and personal.
“Clean tables, good food, and great service—that’s how we built a reputation,” he recalls.
Word spread fast, and Wings Plus grew into two bustling locations.
Step inside today and you’ll see Walsh’s worlds collide. Irish keepsakes from his grandparents share space with photos from his Nassau County SWAT days. At the entrance, he settles into his self-proclaimed “Commanding Officer” chair—a perfect post for a man trained for high-pressure situations. Only now, instead of directing cops through busts, he directs servers through dinner rushes.
The Day a President Came
By the mid-1990s, Wings Plus had earned a local reputation. Then came 1994—and a call that would change the restaurant’s story. A friend suggested former President George H.W. Bush stopped by during a South Florida swing. Walsh laughed it off. A week later, Bush’s motorcade closed off Sample Road.
“I couldn’t believe it. The president came in, ordered his food, and insisted on paying. I still have the $20 bill—it’s in my safe.”
Over the years, Wings Plus welcomed political figures from Florida governors to U.S. senators. Walsh even ran briefly for Coral Springs City Commission but realized his true place was behind the bar, greeting everyday families alongside the occasional VIP.
Building Community
Even as wings flew out of the kitchen, Walsh kept serving the community. Wings Plus has donated proceeds to local schools, youth sports leagues, veterans’ groups, and nonprofits. “I want to be a part of this community. I love helping people,” he says. That blend of cop grit and neighborly generosity helped Wings Plus become a Coral Springs landmark.
Super Bowl Sunday Showdown
Last year, Wings Plus proved it’s more than a neighborhood favorite. On Super Bowl Sunday, the Coral Springs staple served 45,000 wings across two locations—along with 90,000 celery sticks and 3,000 tubs of homemade blue cheese—all managed by a well-oiled team of nearly 40 employees.
At the center was Brett Jerry, the kitchen manager who’s been with Wings Plus nearly 20 years. A Coral Springs resident and Atlantic Tech graduate, Jerry started as a busboy and worked his way up.
“I’ve been here for so long because it feels like family,” Jerry says.
Working a 20-hour shift, he oversaw the kitchen where wings were prepared and packed for hungry fans.
Bridget Walsh, who now runs the restaurant with her father, remembers the day as chaotic but exhilarating. “It was all hands on deck!"
Wings Plus Menu Items
No story of Wings Plus is complete without the food. Walsh’s dedication to fresh, never-frozen wings is legendary:
Buffalo Flanks: Juicy chicken tenders smothered in any signature sauce, served with crisp blue cheese and celery.
Classic Wings: Orders of 6 to 50, customers fly into the restaurant for the classic wings with a choice of sauces that range from mild to X-Hot and some with a sweet kick like the Mango Habernaros, Cajun, and Jerk.
Philly Steak and Cheese: Philly Steak and Cheese Made with Thinly Sliced Beef and Melted Mozzarella Cheese.
25-Piece Wing Special: Football season favorite—25 wings with blue cheese, celery, and fries.
Half Rack of Ribs: Baby back ribs drenched in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, paired with curly fries and creamy coleslaw.
“We want people to leave happy, full, and ready to come back,” Walsh says.
The Sauce Behind the Success
Walsh’s son, Brian Jr., credits modern tools for keeping Wings Plus connected with customers.
“Since joining Sauce, the restaurant’s reviews have soared,” he says. “The portal lets me track orders, contact customers if anything goes wrong, and make it right. SMS follow-ups have boosted engagement and kept 5-star reviews flowing.”
Thanks to the platform, Wings Plus can respond quickly, maintain strong customer relationships, and ensure every order meets the high standards their community expects.
How Wings Plus Took Flight
From busts to baskets, SWAT calls to sauce calls, Brian Walsh Sr. has built more than a restaurant—he’s built a Coral Springs institution. Wings Plus isn’t just about food; it’s about family dinners that turn into traditions, youth teams celebrating victories, and neighbors gathering over plates of fresh, never-frozen wings. It’s about giving back to schools, veterans, and local causes, while creating a place where everyone feels at home.
With Walsh’s grit at the foundation, Bridget Walsh carrying the torch, and a loyal team like Brett Jerry leading the kitchen, Wings Plus continues to thrive decades later. What started as a modest spot for chicken wings has taken flight into a community landmark—proof that with hard work, heart, and a little hot sauce, anything is possible.
Locations:
9880 Sample Road, Coral Springs
1235 University Drive, Coral Springs
Visit: wingsplus.com
By Eileen Strauss
