Wauseon restaurant serves up more than just wings nearly 5 years since pandemic

WAUSEON, Ohio — When Warrior Wings first opened its doors in early 2020, owner Brock Nagel never imagined the uphill battle he would face just weeks later. 

The COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurants nationwide to shut down in-person dining, leaving the newly established eatery uncertain about its future.

Despite the challenges, Warrior Wings survived due to the unwavering support of the Wauseon community. Now, five years later, the restaurant continues to thrive, serving up meals while giving back to the people who helped keep it afloat.

Built out of a renovated 1968 Marathon gas station on Shoop Avenue, Warrior Wings was a personal project for Nagel, who invested his own money into transforming the space. However, just six weeks after opening, pandemic restrictions forced the restaurant to pivot quickly.

“Dining in got shut off,” Nagel said. “It was a real tumultuous time for us opening up in that time period.”

With indoor seating unavailable, the restaurant relied on takeout and online orders to stay afloat. Thanks to a supportive and hungry community, Warrior Wings managed to keep its doors open until in-person dining resumed on May 21, 2020.

“But you know, five years later, we’re still here and really have the community to thank for that,” Nagel said.

Now that Warrior Wings is firmly established, Nagel is focusing on his true mission of giving back to both the local community and fellow veterans like himself.

“It means a lot to me to give back and help out local veterans,” Nagel said.

The restaurant donates a percentage of its sales to local charities and organizations in need, whether through direct donations, raffles or sponsoring community events. Nagel also hopes to expand his support for veteran service groups, including the American Legion.

Customers say Warrior Wings has become more than just a place to eat – it’s a key part of Wauseon’s identity.

“It’s a combination of everything – the food, the people, the community,” Wauseon Police Chief Kevin Chittenden said. “The atmosphere is really cool, an old garage turned into a restaurant. Great place to come.”

Longtime customer Mike Fogarty echoed that sentiment.

“This place is phenomenal. The owners, the staff, wonderful,” he said. “The food’s excellent. I love supporting veterans and I like what they do for the community.”

For Nagel, Warrior Wings’ success is a testament to the power of community support.

“A restaurant’s not going to make it if you don’t have great food, right?” he said.

With the support of Wauseon behind him, Nagel is determined to keep serving up wings and giving back for years to come.