Hoots Wings by Hooters has landed in Azusa. The fast-casual wing restaurant, located at 1119 E. Alosea Ave., held its grand-opening ceremony Sept. 26. 

Owned by franchisee Reza Medali, the location serves chicken wings, sandwiches, shrimp and a host of side dishes, including waffle fries, tots and mac and cheese.

Medali, 51, is a seasoned franchisee who also owns the Hoots Wings location in Pasadena.

A native of Iran, Medali came to the United States with his family at age 14. From a young age he always knew that he wanted to own his own business and he chose franchising as his means of entry into ownership because it provided him with the tools and resources that he would need to achieve the success he desired, according to a release.

At 18, he entered into franchising with a Subway location. Later he would expand his portfolio to include 14 Blaze Pizza locations throughout Southern California. 

With fast-casual chicken concepts soaring in popularity, he knew that would be his next franchising venture, Medali said.

“After visiting a Hooters, I was able to experience first-hand how good the food is,” Medali added in a statement. “I knew that with food this good, and backed by a historic brand such as Hooters, I had a promising opportunity in front of me with Hoots Wings.”

Medali has committed to four additional Hoots Wings locations in the greater Los Angeles area that are in various stages of development.