At 20 years old, Stony Brook University student Constantine Spentzos started his own business. The young company just finished its first full week.
“This is definitely better than working all day in an office,” junior economics and business finance major Spentzos said.
Spentzos started Bench Wings, a late-night wing delivery service to Stony Brook University and the surrounding area. Bench Wings is in collaboration with The Bench Bar and Grill, across from the Stony Brook train station and in walking distance from campus. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, students can order wings directly to their door until 4 a.m.
Bench Wings also just announced that they will now be sponsoring Stony Brook University clubs and organizations. Campus clubs and organizations can contact Spentzos to set up a day when anyone that orders from Bench Wings gets 15 percent towards wings ordered to their cause.
Spentzos came up with the idea after visiting other schools, like Pennsylvania State University and University of Delaware, that had a variety of late night options for students.
At first Bench Wings, was only available on weekends, but has expanded to allow students to order Sunday through Wednesday until midnight and Thursday through Saturday until 4 a.m.
“It’s so much better to have my own business,” Spentzos said. “I don’t have to be on schedule or get told not to this, don’t do that.”
Spentzos went to Patrick Haufe, general manager of The Bench Bar and Grill, with the idea.
“Constantine came to me with the idea and I thought it was great because Stony Brook isn’t as much of a college town as others, and there was definitely a need for it,” Haufe said.
Spentzos uses social media to promote his new business. The young entrepreneur started a Facebook page and Instagram account, and will occasionally post discount codes and limited-time promotions. The Bench’s menu and special NFL game-night deals are listed on Facebook as well. The Facebook page already has over 300 likes.
“He’s a great kid,” Haufe said about Spentzos. “He reminds me a lot of me when I was in college.”
Bench Wings is holding a wing-eating contest on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at The Bench. Those interested in participating need to form a team of three to compete to see who can eat the most wings in a half hour. The winning team gets $200 and t-shirts.
There is a $45 dollar entry fee per team. There is also a women’s’ competition with a $100 dollar grand prize with a $21 entry fee, but women are also free to join the other competition.
“Business is going really well,” Spentzos said. “We are hoping it keeps growing in popularity, but I am really happy about it so far.”
Rachel Siford
Rachel Siford is a senior majoring in journalism, currently in the five-year Fast Track MBA program. She joined The Statesman her freshman year, first in Copy, then Opinions, and later found her home and passion in News. She hopes to be either a news reporter for a publication or a business reporter when she graduates. Contact Rachel at: [email protected]
