Julian Harding often sits and eats chicken fingers or wings at the site for America’s best authentic buffalo wings, Wings To Go, but not as a customer. Harding is the owner of one of the franchises and he is also honored to be a Winston-Salem State University graduate.Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing in 1998, Harding was employed with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Winston-Salem, a business which employed him even before graduation. Harding also had employment at one of the leading producers of pharmaceutical products, Eli Lilly, but a move to Maryland would tightly grasp his entrepreneurship niche. Harding said he and co-owner, Reggie Phillips were inspired to start a business when Harding ate at a Wings To Go franchise in Maryland. “I don’t want to say it was a whim … I was kind of tired of Corporate America, and I wanted to do something different and have something of my own,” he said.Harding stepped out in a big way with the onset of not only the first Wings To Go franchise in North Carolina, but also the largest of the buffalo wing’s chain in the country.The restaurant, which is located on the lower level of Hanes Mall, faces Footlocker and neighbors Bath & Body Works. It took the place of the Mr. Dunderbachs’ business. The establishment covers 5,700 square feet of fun, games, laughter, and food that Harding said anybody, young or old, can enjoy. “The idea about bringing it to the mall was to cater to the entire family. That’s why we put the games and things in here, in order to provide a family atmosphere.” Once you order from the extensive, unique list of not only wings, but chicken wraps, shrimp, hot dogs or salad, you can choose to dine in or take out. Prices for the chicken range from $5.99 for 10 wings to $41.99 for 100 pieces, and the various sauces that the wings can be doused in include Chesapeake Bay, Golden Garlic, and Lemon Pepper. Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll find arcade games and big screen televisions. If you keep walking further back, you’ll find more of a sports bar atmosphere. “In the back, it’s more adult.. We have the bar and pool and things of that nature. But in the front you have more children-type games and you have more of a relaxed atmosphere,” Harding said.Harding said that faculty and administration at WSSU whom had an impact on him included an associate professor of marketing and a former administrative employee who is now a dean at Kentucky State University. “Other than my parents…the most influential person, there were two actually, were Dr. Chidomere and Dr. Compton.” Also, Harding names Dr. King, who is Dean of the School of Business and Economics, as a positive influence on his career who advised him to create his own niche in life. Harding explained how he had ulterior motives for entering college, but Dr. Chidomere placed him back on the right track.”Education wasn’t always my primary focus. When I came to WSSU, Dr. Chidomere took a genuine interest in me. He led me towards marketing because it kind of opened me up…because it doesn’t pigeonhole you into one set thing that you can do.”Dr. Chidomere said he stills remembers the day that he met Julian Harding.”He told me he really hadn’t had anyone guide him into an area. Dr. Chidomere added that Harding always wanted to achieve higher and made good grades. “I saw him as a hard-working and determined student. I’m proud of him and today, as I teach, I use him as an example, proving the results. When Harding first began his business voyage, he welcomed Graydon Ryan, now manager, to be a part of the team when he sited Ryan working in Mr. Dunderbachs. Ryan said Wings To Go has been a sweet success. “From what I understand business has been quite a bit better [than Mr. Dunderbachs]. I think we’ve got a good idea here, we’ve got something for everyone,” Ryan said.Harding said his next business venture will probably not be one in a mall and he is looking to expand the Wings to Go chain into Greensboro or High Point. He does assure that, “The next restaurant I open will probably be free-standing and it will probably cater to more of an adult crowd.” WSSU Rams have been coming visiting the restaurant in large numbers, according to Harding. “We have quite of few loyal supporters, people I see all the time, but we always could use more.” “Actually, the response has been good. The holiday season was good, now it’s just a matter of maintaining that momentum and trying to increase our customer base and provide some different things.”