Columbus

Atomic Wings Plots Campus Takeover With First Columbus Spot Near OSU

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Published on May 19, 2026
Atomic Wings Plots Campus Takeover With First Columbus Spot Near OSUSource: Google Street View

Late-night wings might be getting a new heavyweight near The Ohio State University. Atomic Wings, the Buffalo-inspired chicken-wing chain, is planning its first Columbus restaurant close to campus, a move that would bring another delivery-friendly option to an already busy food corridor. The plan also marks the brand’s official entry into the Ohio market. For now, key details like the operator, exact address and opening date have not been made public.

Local reporting: Columbus Business First

According to Columbus Business First, reporter Dan Eaton reports that Atomic Wings is set to make its Ohio debut near the OSU campus. The outlet identifies a planned location in the university area and describes it as the chain’s first Columbus outpost. We will be watching public filings and leasing records for more concrete details as they surface.

Brand backstory and expansion

Atomic Wings, which got its start in the New York area, bills itself as a Buffalo-style wing specialist built around made-to-order wings and a wide lineup of sauces. As detailed by Atomic Wings, the company says it has more than 20 restaurants open and explicitly lists Ohio as one of its top growth targets as it continues national expansion. The franchising materials also outline investment ranges and lay out the brand’s pitch to would-be operators.

Why a campus location makes sense

The neighborhood around Ohio State is a natural fit for a concept like this, with heavy foot traffic, strong delivery demand and plenty of late-night appetites to feed. That lines up neatly with Atomic Wings’ development pitch to franchisees. On its franchising site, the brand notes it uses “only the best, all-natural, antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken, which we NEVER freeze,” a quality claim it says helps build repeat business and off-premises orders. For students and game-day crowds looking for fast, shareable food near campus housing and nightlife, a wing-centric menu checks a lot of boxes.

Next steps

Columbus Business First first reported the plan on Tuesday, but neither Atomic Wings nor local officials have released a public timeline for construction or opening. We will update this story once permits, a franchisee or a precise address are confirmed.