Meet Ola | Entrepreneur and Co-Owner, Long Wong’s Hot Wings (Peoria)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ola, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, it started with a simple feeling: I wanted to build something of my own that I could be proud of—something real, something the community could count on.

I was also lucky because I didn’t go into it blindly. My eldest brother (Sam) has been running a successful business for almost 20 years, and he’s been a true mentor to me. Watching him taught me the behind-the-scenes truth: it’s not just having a good idea—it’s showing up every day, staying consistent, treating people right, and protecting your reputation like it’s everything. His advice gave me confidence, but it also made me take the decision seriously.

As I looked around, I felt there was a gap I could actually fix. A lot of places either focus on being cheap and quality suffers, or they try to be high quality but the experience isn’t consistent. I believed we could offer great food with the same quality every time, at a fair price—where customers know exactly what they’re going to get.

And I didn’t want to do it alone. I decided to partner with my other brother (Mohammed) because I genuinely believe family can be a strength in business when the values are aligned. You have trust, you can be honest with each other, and you’re working toward the same long-term goal. It felt better building something together as a family.

In the end, it wasn’t one big dramatic moment—it was a decision I kept confirming as I planned, asked questions, and prepared for the reality of it. I knew it would take long hours and sacrifices, but I also knew it would be worth it if we could create a place where people feel welcome, the team feels proud, and the community keeps coming back.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is built on a simple promise: when someone chooses us, they should feel cared for—like they’re welcome, like they matter, and like they made a good decision coming in.

What truly sets us apart is how personal we take hospitality. We treat every customer like a guest in our home. That means we pay attention to the small things—how we greet people, how we handle special requests, how we make sure the food is prepared the right way every time, and how clean and comfortable the restaurant feels. Cleanliness and food safety are a priority for us, and that’s why we’ve maintained straight A health inspection records since we opened.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. There were long hours, stressful days, and many moments where we had to figure things out quickly. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced rising costs, staffing challenges, and the ups and downs that come with running a restaurant. What helped us push through was staying patient, staying humble, and staying focused on doing the right thing—one day at a time.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are simple: consistency builds trust, listening builds loyalty, and reputation is earned through everyday actions. What I want people to know about our brand is that we’re here for the long term. We’re a family business, and we’re building something dependable—rooted in quality, cleanliness, community, and real hospitality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to show them the full Arizona mix — desert scenery, great food, local art, and a little bit of that laid-back but fun West Valley energy. Peoria is a great home base because you’ve got Lake Pleasant nearby, the Peoria Sports Complex/P83 area, and then downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale are close enough for day trips.

Day 1, I’d ease into the trip with something that feels very “Arizona”: a morning walk around Papago Park and the Desert Botanical Garden. Papago is easy and scenic, and the garden is one of the best places to really appreciate the desert instead of just driving past it. For dinner, I’d do Valentine in Phoenix because it has that very local, Sonoran feel with wood-fired food, cocktails, and a cool atmosphere.

Day 2 would be more culture-focused. I’d take them to the Heard Museum, because it gives you a much deeper sense of the Southwest and Indigenous art and history, and then I’d head over to Roosevelt Row to walk around, look at murals, pop into galleries, and just enjoy the neighborhood. Later, I’d grab a drink at Arizona Wilderness downtown, because it feels casual, local, and very Arizona.

Day 3 would be the Peoria day. I’d take them out to Lake Pleasant for a slower day — maybe kayaking, maybe just hanging by the water and catching sunset. That is one of the best surprises in this area, because people don’t always expect a big desert lake experience this close to the city. After that, I’d keep it easy and hang out around P83, because that whole area has become a solid place to eat and spend an evening.

Day 4, I’d do the Musical Instrument Museum. Even people who are not huge museum people usually love it, because it’s interactive and genuinely interesting. Then for dinner I’d go with Pizzeria Bianco downtown — it’s one of those places that feels like a Phoenix classic and always makes the trip feel a little more special.

Day 5 would be Old Town Scottsdale — just walking around, shopping a little, checking out the public art, maybe doing the art walk vibe if the timing works. For dinner, I’d do FnB, because it has that Arizona-grown, local-ingredient feel that makes it memorable without being too formal.

Day 6 would depend on the friend. If they’re outdoorsy and athletic, I’d give them the option of Camelback Mountain, but only if they know what they’re getting into because the main trails are rated extremely difficult and very exposed. If they want something more relaxed, I’d keep it lighter and do another scenic desert morning plus a long lunch somewhere good.

Day 7 would be all about saving the best for last. I’d keep the day relaxed with a slow morning, maybe a little last-minute shopping or coffee, and then wrap up the trip at Long Wong’s Hot Wings in Peoria. That would be the perfect final stop because it feels fun, casual, and satisfying — the kind of place where you can just enjoy great food and end the week on a high note. We’d order a spread of hot wings, pizza, fries, and sauces, hang out, talk about the best moments from the trip, and just enjoy one last great meal together. For me, that would be the perfect ending: no rush, no pressure, just good food, good company, and a place that really feels like part of the local experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I give all praise and thanks to God. Every step in my journey has been possible only through His blessings—opening doors I didn’t expect, protecting me through challenges, and guiding me toward the right people and opportunities. I truly believe that whatever success I have is by His mercy, and I remain grateful for His continued guidance in my life and work.

Right after that, my biggest shoutout goes to my family—especially my mom. She has been the foundation in my life. Her love, prayers, patience, and constant support have carried me through the long hours and the difficult days. When you’re building a business, it takes more than just your own effort—it takes a family that believes in you and stands with you, and my mom has always been that source of strength.

A special shoutout to my eldest brother, Sam. He’s been the person I call when I need clarity—whether it’s a tough decision, a business challenge, or simply a reminder to stay focused. His support has made a real difference in my journey.

And I have to shout out my brother Mohammed, my partner in this journey. Building something together requires trust, shared values, and real commitment, and I’m grateful we chose to do this as a family.

A very special shoutout to my own family—my sons Fawzi and Mohammed, and my daughter Aya. They have supported this business in a real and meaningful way, not just with encouragement, but with their time and effort. They’ve worked long hours, stepped in when needed, and stayed patient through the busy days and the pressure that comes with building something. I’m genuinely proud of them, and I’m grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made and the support they continue to give. This journey has been possible because we’ve been in it together as a family.

Finally, I want to recognize our community—our customers, our neighbors, and the local schools and teams we support. Their encouragement and loyalty mean everything. At the end of the day, we’re only successful because people choose to support us, and we never take that for granted.

Website: https://www.longwongspeoria.com

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