Torrington Restaurant Extends Season of Giving into 2026 with Charity Chicken Wing Fest

Everyone seems to have the charitable spirit during the holiday season, but it is often soon forgotten when the calendars turn to a new year. One family-owned restaurant is committed to combat food insecurity in Connecticut well into the first quarter by hosting a charity chicken wing fest to raise money for the Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington. Specifically, starting today through March 15th, 2026, The Store Bar & Grill in Torrington, CT will donate $1 for every dozen of wings sold to the local food bank.

“Recent cuts in social programs and the rising costs of groceries have forced more Connecticut families to face food insecurity,” said Dena Franks, co-owner of The Store Bar & Grill. “Being in the food business, we are excited to use one of our most popular menu items to fundraise for the largest food pantry in Northwest Connecticut and make a positive impact into the new year.”

According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 516,000 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger. Since 1991, the Friendly Hands Food Bank has been alleviating food insecurity, preventing food waste, and nourishing thousands of families across the region it serves by collecting and distributing food, organizing donations and establishing supportive programs. Every day, the nonprofit brings volunteers together to ensure that neighbors in need have access to nutritious food and vital resources to thrive.

Other crucial initiatives spearheaded by Friendly Hands Food Bank include: Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas Gifts, Easter Baskets, Life Skills Classes, the Children's Birthday Program, Client Pet Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry, Bottle and Can Collections and High School Volunteer Programs among others.

Franks notes that the idea to host a Charity Chicken Wing Fest stemmed from the recent surge in chicken wings on a global level and how The Store Bar & Grill offers the most eclectic variety of sauce flavors in the state, including Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, Barbecue, Sweet Chili, Torrington Hot, Mango Habanero, Jamaican Jerk, Spicy Harissa, Lemon Pepper, Marsala, Spicy Mediterranean, Tunisian Buffalo and Garlic Hot.

“With the upcoming football playoffs, Superbowl Sunday and March Madness, our famous chicken wings will be in even more demand by customers,” adds Rodger Mort, co-owner of The Store Bar & Grill. “We anticipate a huge swelling of support for our original fundraising program to benefit the Friendly Hands Food Bank throughout the next few months.”

Besides the Charity Chicken Wing Fest, The Store Bar & Grill has helped the food bank by donating a pallet of turkeys for Thanksgiving, holding frequent food drives within the restaurant and sponsoring various activities of the nonprofit. The Store Bar & Grill is located at 99 Turner Avenue in Torrington and open Tuesdays through Sundays. A dozen wings cost $19. Visit www.thestorebarandgrill.com for more information.

About Friendly Hands Food Bank

Friendly Hands Food Bank has been feeding thousands of individuals and families in the Northwestern Connecticut region for nearly 35 years. It is the largest food pantry in the area, whose mission is to alleviate food insecurity, prevent food waste and nourish the local communities it serves. The organization’s vision is that all people have nutritious food and other resources needed to thrive- nourished bodies, hopeful hearts, and a strong community that lifts one another up. Visit www.friendlyhandsfoodbanknwct.org for more information.