With just $100 to start a 100-store chicken wing chain, my extraordinary journey began on March 17, 1999, just a day after my daughter's birth. Fearlessly, I took on industry titans like Buffalo Wild Wings and the Oprah Winfrey Network in trademark battles. Transitioning from food to film, I sold my successful chain in 2015 to pursue filmmaking. On March 17, 2024, 25 years to the day after my first restaurant opening, I launched a YouTube show called Wing Man Experience , where I share sharing my life lessons in business and share my secret recipes.
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Let me tell you about my mom, Neda. She was a character, so much positive energy and always telling me "Don't worry, Be Happy." She was the best, by far. Ma played such a big role in my life. She named me Richard after some actor she saw in a movie and secretly hoped I'd have blue eyes. She was always there for me, my biggest fan. We had this little tradition before we went off to clean offices every night - she'd lay out a white dinner cloth, and we shared homemade food filled with love. It taught me the value of hard work ,sharing and caring at the young age of 9. Mom was something else, truly special to everyone and anyone.
" A Dog's Purpose" they hold a special place in my heart. Back in '74, my first dog, Chima, got hit by a car, and did it hurt. Losing her taught me much about life and how precious every moment is. But then came Girlie, my Golden Retriever. She filled that empty spot in my heart, and let me tell you, we're like two peas in a pod and or ( Podcast). As I always say, there aren't no friends quite like a dog. They're loyal, faithful and the best companion. Just remember: There are no friends in business and if you want a friend "Get A Dog"
I was born in Toronto on June 9, 1963, which happens to be the same day and year as Johnny Depp. And let me tell you a bit about my dad. His name's Nikola, but we call him Nick. Back in 1956, he made a daring escape from the mountains of Croatia with just $18 in his pocket. But things got really tough - he was actually shot in the leg while trying to make his way to Canada for a better life for us.
My foray into business really kicked off with a simple lunch with my dad back in 1975. Funny how those little moments can change everything, right? So, there I was, just working away at KFC, not knowing it would set me on the path to becoming a chicken wing chain founder. My dad, was a man of few words , he would use short sentences or quotes , " Get Moving " ' Keep Pushing " and only wanted for me to be my own man. But it wasn't until his final words that I felt like he truly saw me as his son. I owe a lot to his firm but fair way of raising me. It's what shaped me and helped me find my own success.
When I got tossed out of school, my dad hit me with a dose of reality. He said, "If you're old enough not to go to school, you're old enough to pay rent, a hundred bucks a week." But soon enough, I found myself in trouble again and got the boot - police escort and all. Dad's words echoed in my head: "You're out of the house and out of the will." Funny thing is, that was the greatest gift he ever gave me.
Mom, on the other hand, she loved me through it all. Eventually, my dad and I patched things up, and it's funny how similar we are, like father, like son, I guess. Despite never finishing Grade 9, I never lost sight of my dreams. From wrestling in the mud as Mountain Man - a tribute to my father's homeland - to chasing the bright lights of Hollywood and California dreaming, I kept pushing forward, just like my old man drilled into my head. My journey is proof that perseverance and self-belief can take you places you never thought possible.
Humble Beginnings
Forward Thinking
During a pivotal moment on August 23, 1993, I faced a crisis with my alcoholism during a blackout on a boat cruise. It led to a necessary detox intervention, spearheaded by my father, marking the beginning of my journey to recovery. Despite the initial denial, my time in a halfway house brought a newfound appreciation for simplicity and nature. This marked the start of my journey to recovery, where I found solace in nature and a simpler life during my time in a halfway house. Through it all, my mother's true love and support kept me from feeling sorry for myself . Her words, when I was homeless "Get up one more time," are words I will never forget . Her unconditional love kept me going, even as nights became, longer and the days became shorter.
My fears are my fears, and I own them. Heights, flying, going out in public, the thought of leaving my dog alone - they all get to me. But here's the thing: when it comes to facing challenges head-on, I've never backed down. I've always fought to the end, go the distance, and have someone's back ,no matter what. It's a strange contradiction, isn't it?
"Risk Takers, Money Makers" sums up my life approach. From my days as a bookie to bartending and eventually diving into business and media, I've always been drawn to taking risks. Sure, it's landed me in some trouble with the law at times, but when gambling became legal, I wanted to be too legit to quit and wanted an honest and forthright life.
I'll never forget that $1800 bet I made when I was just 20. It completely changed the game for me, sending me off to Fort Lauderdale where I made a name for myself as a bartender at the famous Button On The Beach. Known for my bottle-flipping skills and lightning speed behind the bar, it was a pivotal moment that led me to venture into the world of business. Opening my first restaurant was just the beginning. It goes to show how embracing risk can lead you to unexpected and rewarding places.
Self respect
It was during this challenging time that I found solace and support from my ex-girlfriend, Caroline, and her mother, Eleanor. Eleanor, who had experienced the loss of her own son to alcoholism, became a guiding force in my recovery . Her wisdom instilled in me the values of sobriety and self-forgiveness.
Eleanor's influence, along with the unconditional love of my mother, proved invaluable. Despite her fears, my mother's unwavering support and encouragement, including a pivotal moment when she found me homeless in a frozen field, propelled me forward. Her words, "Get up one more time," marked a turning point in my life, reinforcing the importance of not feeling sorry for yourself.
Together, Eleanor and my mother played a pivotal role in my journey towards sobriety and personal growth, shaping the person I am today.
My culinary journey is like a patchwork quilt of flavors, drawing from my Croatian heritage, indulging in Jamaican jerk pork, and savoring South Indian Vindaloo. These tastes mirror the rich tapestry of my life, each dish woven with memories and connections. Exploring food with my daughter, including our adventure trying 33 different foods in NYC and her affection for sushi, earning her the nickname "Little Miss Sushi," deepens our family narrative. From tasting our way across the U.S. to stumbling upon scarpinello wings at Carmines, our shared love for food highlights its ability to forge enduring bonds and cherished memories.
Founding Father
Running Wild Wing taught me invaluable lessons, from navigating challenges to dealing with negativity. My parents instilled in me the values of generosity and setting boundaries. My mom always had a humorous approach, often saying "Fug em" whenever faced with jealousy or entitlement. And Dad's advice about unhappy people always stuck—he would tell me to "MUK," which, translated from Croatian, means getting straight to the point.
My dad's wisdom struck a chord, especially when he questioned why I invested energy in those who didn't value it. It meant the world to me when he witnessed my growth before he passed.
In the end, being a father takes precedence. Even though some may call Wild Wing "my baby," it's not just a business; it's a part of who I am. Starting it the day after Savannah was born? Well, that's life's way of adding a touch of irony.
Through it all, my daughter has been my true purpose. Watching her grow up as a great mother has kept me going, reminding me of what's truly important in life—being a parent, or as my grandson affectionately calls me, papa.
On March 4, 2015, I sold my complete interest in Wild Wing, a company I founded and expanded to 100 restaurants—a simple goal I feel I needed to achieve. However, upon receiving the proceeds from the sale, I felt an unexpected emptiness. It was a moment of reflection that made me understand fulfillment comes from continually pursuing new goals and challenges. My business endeavours do not define me. Instead, I identify more with my passion for the TV and film industry, even though I faced significant financial losses.
The next day, following Wild Wing, I launched a film studio. Despite my ventures into the TV and film industry not yielding the desired success, I harbor no regrets. I produced two movies and a reality show based on my life that failed, but I remain undeterred in my pursuit of new ventures and opportunities.
Back when I started Wild Wing in 1999, I never imagined I’d end up in a big fight with Buffalo Wild Wings, a huge chain from the U.S. trying to move into Canada I opened the first Wild Wing in Sunderland, Ontario, and we grew fast, aiming for 100 spots across mostly the Greater Toronto Area.
The trouble started when they came to Canada and wanted to use a name too close to ours. I had "Wild Wing" trademarked here since 2003 to make sure nobody else could mess with us. But these guys didn’t care; they thought they could just come in and take over.
This wasn’t just about them stepping on our toes; it was about sticking up for the little guy. It was a real David and Goliath story, where I had to fight to protect what we built from these big corporations who thought they could push us around.
I even got onto "Undercover Boss Canada" to really get into the trenches and see what was happening on the ground in my own company. That opened my eyes to what our team faces every day and pushed me to be a better boss.
There was another mess with the Oprah Winfrey Network when they launched a show called "Wingmen," which was way too close to our own "Wing-Men" series. Just another battle to fight to keep what’s ours safe.
Even though I sold Wild Wing in 2015, these fights taught me a lot about standing up for yourself and making sure you get fair treatment. For anyone out there running their own thing, remember: don’t let the big guys push you around.I hold no ill will towards these faceless corporations. Even though they came running and gunning for us, I've learned to look at the situation with a perspective of "facts, not feelings." It becomes clear that those on the other side, often just protecting their jobs with no real skin in the game, can afford to take risks without personal consequences.
Fight the Good Fight
Integrity Intact
"Life's about new beginnings and tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of your life" my fave quote , made me held my ground, leaning on resilience and integrity. Legal battles, personal losses, and health scares won't knock me down, if I do I will get right back up again .
March 26, 2020, was a close call—a brush with death from mould exposure. My daughters' love got me through that scare, she gifted me 'Girlie" when she told me she was having a child , nothing else matters . I knew my daughter would be ok and she would pursue her own journey, on the path to independence , now that she had her true purpose of being a mom . I'm a proud papa. Alongside that came pain of losing my mom on September 11, 2021. She was beyond special, and I am grateful for all the memories and love she provided , not to mention her positivity .
Financial struggles and hidden legal woes have piled on, but I will stay true to what's right,and stay strong.
At 61, I will celebrate my birthday with a few laughs, and no regrets. I will continue to learn and deal with life as it comes.
Despite the bumps, my beautiful daughter, gorgeous grandson—who affectionately calls me Papa—and best friend Girlie bring me peace. It's all good.
Wing Man Show
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Girlie and I truly appreciate your support.
Lots Of Love , Uncle Ricky