Think you can handle any hot wings thrown your way? Think again! It’s time to see how much heat you can take by joining Native Grill & Wings latest competition.
When it comes to award winning chicken wings, you can’t go wrong with Native Grill & Wings. First opened in 1985, Native Grill & Wings became famous for being the only unique concept where guests can order all 20 flavors by the individual wing. With all that clout behind them, it’s safe to say that their wings and sauces are pretty amazing. So it makes sense that they are one of the best places to host a wing eating contest. With that out of the way, this next announcement will make a ton more sense.

Native Grill & Wings just announced that they’re joining forces with famous Arizona DJ and radio host, Holmberg, to host an exciting wing-eating contest called Holmberg’s “Handle the Heat.” Taking place at various Native Grill & Wing locations around the Phoenix area, the event will kick off on August 8, 2024 and will last nearly the entire month until August 28, 2024. If you think you got what it takes to be the best at eating wings competitively, this is your chance to shine. Participants can prove their skills and earn a spot in the Championship round scheduled for September 4, 2024.
Here’s the preliminary schedule for the contests:
- August 8: Native Grill & Wings, 5030 East Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 86044, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- August 14: Native Grill & Wings, 1947 South Signal Butte Road, Mesa, AZ 85209, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- August 21: Native Grill & Wings, 5020 West Baseline Road, Phoenix, AZ 85339, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- August 28: Native Grill & Wings, 13929 West Waddell Road, Surprise, AZ 85379, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This all sounds great but, what’s the prize? Well, winners from these events will compete in the Championship Showdown at the Native Grill & Wings located at 4341 East Baseline Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. From there, Holmberg and Native Grill & Wings will be giving out the sauce and you can win cash prizes and other exciting opportunities.
Well, what if you don’t want to participate? What’s in it for us? Luckily, this whole event has something in store for us casual wing-eaters. Native Grill & Wings will drop the Holmberg Special on August 8, the same day the event starts. This special meal features 10 juicy wings and a refreshing drink for only $19.79. It will remain on their menu for an entire month until September 8, 2024. You can also feel good about indulging yourself in 10 pieces of chicken wings because for each Holmberg Special sold, they’ll donate $1 to the Arizona Humane Society, which is a welfare service for our animal friends.
This is an exciting new event and a celebration for all things chicken wings. So if you fancy yourself a competitive eater, don’t miss this chance to prove yourself and even win a cash prize (along with some bragging rights).
RELATED: 12 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken Spots of 2024
Best Sauces at Native Grill & Wings
By now, it’s pretty established that the wing sauces at Native Grill & Wings are really good. I mean, they ARE an award-winning establishment known for their chicken wings and sauces. While all of their sauces are no doubt great, here are two flavors that you have to try.

The Ghost
Here’s a nice little way to spook your taste buds. The Ghost is made from ghost peppers which are much hotter than your standard jalapeño. Just for reference, a jalapeño pepper has anywhere from 2,500 – 8,000 Scoville units while, a ghost pepper has a range of 855,000 – 1,401,427 Scoville units. It’s so hot that the Indian government actually uses the ghost pepper to make military grade smoke bombs. That’s how hot it is. So if you’re feeling adventurous and you like your wings hot & spicy, The Ghost should definitely be at the top of your list of must try flavors at Native Grill & Wings.
Teriyaki Ginger
Want something less spicy and more sweet and savory? Try the Teriyaki Ginger. It has the traditional taste of teriyaki with the aromatic kick of ginger. It has an Asian-inspired twist with just enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s one of their best flavors and is great to pair with other spicier options.
RELATED: Best Fast Food Deals This August
From The Club
I’m no competitive eater. But if it means I can just gorge on chicken wings from Native Grill & Wings then I just might change my mind. If you think you got what it takes, then join Holmberg’s Handle the Heat contest only at Native Grill & Wings. The cash prize is great but the best thing about this competition for me is the fact that it’s also raising funds and awareness for the Arizona Humane Society. I absolutely love animals and would participate in anything that will promote their welfare. I guess, on second thought, I just might join the challenge.