St. Louis Wing Company has closed for good in Rock Hill

After spending a decade at 9816 Manchester Rd. in Rock Hill, popular local spot St. Louis Wing Company announced via Facebook this Monday, Aug. 23, that it has permanently closed its doors.

“Writing this with the heaviest heart ever, I want to express my gratitude to all of the overwhelming support over the past 10 years,” owner Bobby Tessler wrote in the post. “From my family, friends, staff and dedicated customers of St. Louis Wing Company, I sincerely thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!” 

Tessler cited the “current climate of staffing shortage and economic roller coasters” as a reason for his wanting to move on from the restaurant, but clarified that the closing wasn’t due to a lack of business. “Business was great – my decision to close had nothing to do with the amount of business we had,” he told Sauce this afternoon. “We were doing great numbers, sales were great, traffic was great.” 

Tessler added that while staffing troubles were the final reason he decided to close, closing St. Louis Wing Company had crossed his mind before. “After doing something for ten years, you kind of get burnt out and want to move on to a new venture,” he explained. “I’m very hands-on – I’ve been a chef my entire career. In any job, you’re going to have to have days where you’re just like, ‘Man, I just want to do something else.’ But it never got to the point where I wanted to give up because I was tired. But I’ve been tired for five years now.” 

Tessler said that he’s open to selling the concept to a new operator and that interested parties could contact him at bobby@stlwingco.com. “I’m very proud of what I’ve built – all of the accomplishments, all of the awards and all the customers,” he said, adding that he’s already received several emails about the sale.