The famous (and often misquoted) Shakespeare line “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” from Henry IV is an expression that alludes to the tremendous pressure and responsibility that comes with being king. In other words, sometimes being the top dog isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. If that’s the case, Dylan and Katrina Pires are the exception. As owners and operators of one of Brisbane’s most popular food-truck concepts King of the Wings, success has become second nature. Naturally, choosing the name King of the Wings from the outset hints at a healthy dose of self belief, but even after seven years of operation and numerous awards, the culinary crown still rests easy on their heads. If anything, Dylan and Katrina are eager to build their empire further, which is one of the biggest driving forces behind King of the Wings & Things, the first permanent location for their beloved food truck. The 80-seater flagship is located at Stafford Central – a recently completed development on Stafford Road that also counts The Yiros Shop, seafood stop Catch22, coffee dispensary Papas Corner and Italian eatery Tantulli’s among its residents. Looking to fill a gap in Brisbane’s north, the space serves as a spot for a casual weeknight dinners, lively weekend revelry and express takeaway. A cosy and warm sports-bar-inspired interior is illuminated by some eye-catching neon and flat-screen televisions, while an alfresco space in the adjoining laneway features sturdy wooden tables (perfect for groups), gorgeous murals, festoon lighting and some handy umbrellas for shady snacking.

Dylan and Katrina are using this flagship concept to showcase its beloved menu to folks who can’t muster up the energy to chase the King of the Wings food trucks around town. Naturally chicken wings are a large component of the King of the Wings & Things menu, with six flavours of wings (crunchy southern style, American barbecue, honey and sesame, Portuguese peri-peri and lime crumb, spicy buffalo and The Extreme Chillogy – a bite that hits 1.4 million on the Scoville Scale) available as traditional fried, boneless, gluten free or cauliflower wing varieties and in serves of 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 pieces. As for the ‘Things’, diners can sink their teeth into half or full racks of slow-cooked pork ribs, sweet-potato wedges, beer-battered chips, chicken garlic rice, vegetarian samosas, spring rolls, garden salads, chicken nuggets, and key lime and Mississippi mud pie sourced from My My, It’s American Pie. Helping to wash down this royal-sized banquet of delights is a beverage list that includes Green Beacon beer on tap (available in schooners, pints and sizeable three-litre beer towers), and frothies from Stone & Wood, Balter, Peroni, Corona, Pure Blonde and Great Northern in the fridge. The back bar is also stocked with a curated selection of wines and spirits, while four cocktails (cosmopolitan, old fashioned, espresso martini and the G & Tea – that’s a refreshing gin and iced-tea combo) will assuredly tantalise tastebuds. Moving forward, Dylan and Katrina will look to introduce themed nights come January – think trivia Tuesdays, wing Wednesdays, thirsty Thursdays and Sunday sessions with DJs spinning tunes all afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for special menu items including jalapeno poppers and sliders, as well as details regarding King of the Wings & Things’ forthcoming secret menu, which will only be accessible via a code obtained from one of KOTW’s food trucks.

King of the Wings & Things is now open. For operating hours and contact details, click over to the Stumble Guide.