Loyal Customer Builds Multi-Unit Future With Wingers Alehouse
Juanita Gaeta spent years visiting the Wingers Alehouse in Elko, Nevada, where it became the go-to spot for family celebrations and gatherings. She remembers the restaurant as a place that satisfied everyone, thanks to its variety of food, beer offerings, kids’ menu, and welcoming family atmosphere.
Now, the longtime fan has become a growing franchise owner.
Gaeta and her husband, Dusty Shipp, are preparing to launch their second Wingers Alehouse location after buying an existing store in Winnemucca two years ago. Their next restaurant is scheduled to open in June in Fernley, Nevada, located within the Reno-Tahoe-Sparks metro region. Gaeta says the couple is already hoping to add a third location later.
Family Restaurant Background Led to New Opportunity
The hospitality industry has long been part of Gaeta’s life. At 19, she helped her brother start and operate a Mexican restaurant in Elko. Later, she and her father purchased a small bar that they managed for approximately six years.
Eventually, the family left the restaurant business. Gaeta later became a successful real estate broker and investor, but she says leaving hospitality created a sense that something was missing.
When she discovered the Wingers Alehouse in Winnemucca was available for purchase, she immediately recognized the opportunity.
She also remembered how much her mother loved Wingers wings. When Gaeta shared the chance to buy the restaurant, her mother was excited by the possibility of owning a place the family already loved.
Why Wingers Targets Smaller Markets
Wingers Alehouse has built a distinct expansion strategy focused on small and mid-sized communities. Markets such as Winnemucca, Fernley, and Elko align closely with the brand’s identity as America’s Small-Town Alehouse.
The concept emphasizes markets where operators can succeed using smaller footprints and manageable staffing levels while avoiding direct pressure from larger chains that often need bigger populations to remain profitable.
CEO Eric Slaymaker, who launched the company with brother Scott Slaymaker, says smaller towns and edge-of-metro communities have consistently delivered strong results. He points to cities including Vernal, Utah; Nampa, Idaho; Ontario, Oregon; and West Jordan, Utah.
Growth Since 1993
Wingers began in 1993 with the first Wingers American Diner in Bountiful, Utah. Since then, the brand has expanded beyond its Salt Lake City roots and is expected to reach 24 operating locations by the end of summer, concentrated largely across the Mountain West and Midwest.
The alehouse concept includes up to 101 beers, branded as Alehouse 101, with regional craft options. It also features a refreshed interior and architectural prototype designed to feel elevated while remaining comfortable.
Dining Trends That Match Consumer Demand
Restaurant industry trends for 2026 often center on comfort, community, and nostalgia. Wingers has long embraced those themes.
Its mission is to create amazing experiences, and each restaurant reflects local identity through nostalgic design elements and community-inspired artwork that includes craft beer labels. Seating encourages guests to relax and stay awhile.
The menu continues to feature signature wings, Sticky Fingers, and the Original Amazing Sauce. Customers can also choose from salads, burgers, and Southwestern or Asian-inspired selections.
Winnemucca Performance Surges
Since taking over the Winnemucca restaurant, which first opened in 2012, Gaeta and Shipp say sales have doubled.
They attribute the growth to upgrading the facility, maintaining high food quality, focusing on guest service, and recruiting upbeat employees with a strong work ethic.
Gaeta says the community has embraced them, noting that regular customers know them personally and often greet them by name.
Their daughter Aly, age five, is frequently at the restaurant as well, wearing an apron, pretending to take orders, and helping clean tables.
The family attends community events, participates in the chamber of commerce, and plans to build the same local relationships in Fernley.
Hard Work Behind the Scenes
At first, Gaeta and Shipp drove 1.5 hours from Elko to Winnemucca six days each week. Shipp would drop Gaeta off at the restaurant before heading to a nearby subdivision where he was constructing homes through his construction company.
Today, they visit about twice weekly thanks to confidence in their leadership team.
Gaeta credits general manager Julian Carvajal and kitchen lead Eddie Carvajal, Julian’s father, who once worked at her brother’s restaurant.
People-First Leadership Culture
Gaeta and Shipp actively invest in leadership coaching and mindset development. They seek employees who value growth, appreciate the opportunity, and bring a positive attitude.
She says hiring has become easier because they now clearly understand who fits their culture.
The couple also shows appreciation through employee parties, family events, gifts, awards, and surprise gestures like a Starbucks trip. Beyond rewards, they focus on providing tools, equipment, support, and workplace stability.
Gaeta also praises the Slaymaker brothers for setting that example. She says the founders have visited their location multiple times, taken interest in upgrades, provided regular quality assurance support, and welcomed ideas or concerns through an open-door approach.
Her conclusion is simple: lasting leadership always starts at the top.
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