About Us

Where did we come from?

Brendon & Lacey Mendoza created Wingman Birdz + Brewz in the summer of 2014, when they were deciding to open a restaurant on their own after a career of running high-volume restaurants across the country. They were living in Round Rock, Texas when the opportunity became available to move back to Brendon's hometown of Walla Walla, WA. The risk to pack up and move the family across the country was a big one, but it was also a life-long goal to own a restaurant, and they would be closer to family after being away for 15 years. So, they packed up their small car with the two dogs, a cat and their 4-year old daughter, Tessa!

Who are we?

Brendon’s passion for restaurants began when he became a bus boy at the age of 16 at the Walla Walla Country Club. After graduating high school in 1996 he began taking classes at Walla Walla Community College while continuing to work at the Country Club. He transferred to Washington State University and later graduated from the Hotel & Restaurant Administration program in the School of Business. For the next twelve years, he worked his way up in a chain restaurant company that also took him from Southern California, to Las Vegas, to Denver, to Austin, Texas.  

Brendon’s wife Lacey teaches 4th grade at Sharpstein Elementary in Walla Walla, WA and helps out in her off time. Together they raise their daughters Tessa & Savannah near their grandparents Bob & Jill Zagelow and her Uncle Sean Mendoza. “Wingman” was named by Lacey's mother Dorothy for the camaraderie of friends standing up for each other. "Birdz + Brewz" signifies the focus of the restaurant.

Why Wings & Beer?

Having journeyed across the country together and having lived in various places Brendon & Lacey had eaten at many trendy and happening places. When baby Tessa came along, however, it became more important to find family-oriented or “kid-friendly” dining. Brendon loves chicken wings, and every year on his birthday they would celebrate at the local "wing" restaurant. The craft beer scene was also growing and Brendon became obsessed with IPA's, stouts, & many other craft varieties that his brother-in-law Matt found for him to try. There were no options to dine in Walla Walla that had a great tap list and that welcomed minors. It was an obvious decision from there!

What is our mission?

Having you feel at home and having fun is our number one priority. We want you to feel at home while you’re here. That is why we encourage you to customize any of the dishes to make them your own.
 
Your adventure at Wingman Birdz + Brewz starts by choosing your flight, from wings, wraps, sandwiches, salads, burgers and ice cream sandwiches. All of our dishes are customizable - we can buffalo that! - with our wide variety of sauces and rubs created in our kitchen. Continue your flight into our full bar, complete with local brews, wines and spirits. On the tamer side we also offer root beer on tap.
 
We pride ourselves in serving high-quality food in a family-friendly atmosphere with an outstanding fun staff

Our Team

Our team’s motto “Take One for the Team” reinforces the team work and camaraderie that helps ensure that the customer always receives exceptional service with unique experiences that are genuine and customized to the customer - if we have the ingredients, Wing It!