New York-born wing chain Atomic Wings is gearing up to cross the Hudson in a big way, with six New Jersey restaurants in the works and the first two slated for Jersey City and Hoboken. The Garden State push is part of a 2026 expansion plan that could nearly double the brand's footprint and add more than 20 locations systemwide. Area developer Moe Moustafa, who already runs two Atomic Wings locations in Brooklyn, is leading the rollout, with the earliest New Jersey openings targeted for the third quarter. Exact addresses and hiring timelines have not yet been released.
Atomic Wings' growth plan
In a press release via PR Newswire, Atomic Wings said it expects more than 20 new openings in 2026, including six in New Jersey, and noted that the chain currently operates 24 restaurants. CEO Zak Omar said the brand is "on pace for up to 100% growth" this year and that the company plans to build density in its home market while also expanding nationwide.
As reported by NJBIZ, the six-store New Jersey expansion is being driven by Moustafa, whose existing Atomic Wings units are in Brooklyn. NJBIZ adds that the broader development plan includes additional New York locations alongside the Garden State rollout.
Where they'll open first
Local coverage indicates the first two New Jersey restaurants are planned for Hoboken and Jersey City, with Atomic Wings spokesperson Morgan Gordon telling Patch the launches are likely to arrive in the third quarter of 2026. Patch also reports that the Jersey City location is expected on the city's West Side and that three of the six New Jersey sites could open before the end of that year.
Trade coverage notes that the expansion pipeline also includes new stores across Texas, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio and Illinois, underscoring the brand's push beyond the Northeast. Fast Casual summarized the company's 2026 growth targets and ongoing franchise activity.
Patch also revisited an earlier, unrelated effort to open an Atomic Wings in Jersey City more than 15 years ago that ran into permitting delays and litigation; company representatives told the outlet that those past issues are not connected to the current development deals. For now, Atomic Wings' spokespeople say lease details and store addresses will be shared as agreements are finalized.
Atomic Wings' own locations page and franchising information list numerous "coming soon" entries and provide contact details for prospective operators, but the site does not yet include specific addresses for the New Jersey openings. This story will be updated as the company releases store-level details.
