A Passion for People and Great Chicken
For Chris Gardner, general manager of Wings Over Ithaca, a simple craving for great food turned into a long-standing career with a brand he truly believes in. His journey with Wings Over started with a memorable customer experience, one where he was the customer. As a former radio marketing representative, he frequently visited Wings Over Ithaca, hoping to land them as a client. What he didn’t expect was to become a regular, enjoying their wings so often that it became a daily ritual.
It wasn’t just the food that kept him coming back; it was the energy, the people, and the sense of community within the restaurant. Eventually, what started as a love for the brand transformed into something much bigger. Chris found himself on the other side of the counter, helping lead and shape the Wings Over experience for customers and employees alike.
From Wing Fan to Wings Over Leader
Chris’ journey with Wings Over began in 2008 under unique circumstances. At the time, he wasn’t actively seeking a new career. However, when his car broke down and he needed extra money to get it fixed, he reached out to the general manager at the time, asking for a temporary job to earn the necessary funds.
That temporary role quickly reignited his passion for the restaurant industry. Having managed several restaurants from North Dakota to North Carolina, he knew what it took to run a successful food business. But Wings Over was different. The quality of the food, the commitment to excellence, and the opportunity to build something great fueled his drive.
He started with the goal of increasing sales and improving operations, and through his leadership and dedication, he helped turn Wings Over Ithaca into a thriving location. Over the years, he built a strong, motivated team – what he proudly calls his Wings Over family.
The Day-to-Day Impact of a Leader
As the general manager, Chris wears many hats. His responsibilities go beyond making sure the food is fresh and orders are accurate. He’s deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from inventory management to customer service, training new employees, and ensuring the overall growth of the restaurant.
“What I love about this job is that no two days are ever the same,” Chris says. “Every day brings a new challenge, whether it’s handling a last-minute staff change, dealing with unexpected supply chain issues, or simply making sure every customer leaves happy. It keeps things exciting.”
Chris takes pride in creating an environment where both employees and customers feel valued. He knows that when his team is motivated and engaged, it translates to better service and, ultimately, a better dining experience for customers. His leadership philosophy revolves around accountability and continuous improvement. We are always looking for ways to make the business stronger and the experience better for everyone.
A Candid Approach to Success
Chris believes that success in the restaurant industry comes down to passion, adaptability, and teamwork. One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is seeing how much Wings Over means to the Ithaca community, especially during graduation season. It’s also a time when the team kicks their catering services into high gear—grad parties have become a specialty, with families trusting Wings Over to help celebrate their big day with crowd-pleasing flavor.
“Graduation day is one of my favorite days of the year,” he shares. “I love seeing students bring their families to Wings Over for the first time, proudly showing them the place they’ve been ordering from for years. I joke with the parents, ‘Now don’t be mad, but this is where a lot of your money has gone!’ And they always laugh and say, ‘Thank you for taking care of them.’ That’s what makes this job worth it, knowing we’ve been a small but memorable part of someone’s college experience.”
His commitment to excellence is rooted in a deep appreciation for the brand and its mission. He believes in always striving for better, even on the best days. “There’s always something we could have done better,” he says. “That’s what keeps me and my team hungry. We know we’re good at what we do, but we also know we can always improve.”
Wings, Passion, and the Drive to Keep Growing
Chris’ dedication to Wings Over is unwavering, and his passion for the restaurant industry continues to grow. When asked about his favorite menu item, he doesn’t hesitate: “Sweet Chili wings. Hands down.”
His motto for work? “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.” That mentality has helped him and his team push through challenges and celebrate victories, big and small.
To the customers who keep Wings Over Ithaca thriving, Thank you. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering us, we appreciate you. We love what we do, and we’re here to make sure you love every meal you get from us.
