Wing Barn was first founded in 2010 by Bobby Saenz and Daniel Pompa. Pompa is first cousins with Saenz’ wife. Saenz had a background in retail management and Pompa is a culinary school graduate and trained chef. Saenz had an idea about a casual, family friendly restaurant that served wings and burgers. Pompa had a passion for creating delicious recipes. Together, with nothing more than an idea, the two set out to make Wing Barn a reality.
Wing Barn’s name was chosen one afternoon as Pompa was driving home from Dallas; he passed a red barn and “the name Wing Barn just popped in my head,” says Pompa. He immediately called Saenz and Saenz liked it. “It worked,” said Saenz. It captured the casual, family friendly environment we wanted and conveyed the type of food we would be serving. “Wing Barn was born.”
After months of hard work and dedication, they opened their first location in Brownsville, Texas. Since then, Wing Barn has grown to 11 locations across the Rio Grande Valley. The owners have managed to keep up with the demands of customers while still staying true to their original vision for serving quality food at affordable prices. Every day since opening, Saenz and Pompa strive to make sure Wing Barn continues to be one of their hometown’s favorite eateries!
Since its inception, Wing Barn has been family owned and operated. “We’re from the RGV and we are proud of that,” said Saenz. “Our families were born and raised here. Our kids go to school here. We care about the RGV, it’s residents and it’s future.” Wing Barn created a fundraising initiative to help the community. All 11 stores regularly host fundraisers. To date, Wing Barn has donated over $1 million to local school organizations, not-for-profits, church groups, families in need and more.
When it comes to great chicken wings, there’s no shortage of places to get your fix. But what sets Wing Barn apart is the family friendly environment and the dang good made from scratch sauces and rubs. All Wing Barn’s sauces and dressings are made from scratch. Aside from wings, Wing Barn offers a diverse menu. There is something for everyone. They offer burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and dang good appetizers and sides that offer a local flair, like “RGV Street Corn,” what locals know as “elote”.
In addition to the delicious food, Wing Barn is a great place to gather with friends and family. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, to watch a game or just to enjoy some wings. Wing Barn strives to make everyone feel like family. Every person at Wing Barn plays an important role in making sure our guests have the best possible experience when they visit us. “It takes all of us working together as a team to make Wing Barn the special place it is today. We’re more than just a restaurant; we’re a family, and when you dine with us, we want you to feel that” says Saenz.
Wing Barn has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an idea for a business. With the hard work, dedication, and commitment of Saenz and Pompa, Wing Barn has become a hometown favorite among many who call the Rio Grande Valley their home. The success of this small business is truly inspirational and serves as proof that with enough hard work, passion and community support anything can be accomplished!
