Never underestimate the power of a plate of chicken wings: It’s enough to birth nations — or maybe just mini-chains. Such is the case of Wicked Wings, which will build on the success of its Johnson location with a second spot in Essex.

By September 1, owners David Hall and Collin and Erin Sourdiff will bring their wings down from Lamoille County to 118 Pearl Street, where Upper Crust used to be. “I grew up in Burlington, and I’m just happy to be back in Chittenden County,” Collin Sourdiff says, explaining the expansion. (Peter Yee of Yellow Sign Commercial brokered the deal.)

At first, the 35-seat location will just serve takeout. Its pub-food-laden menu will be identical to that of the Johnson location: burgers, falafel wraps, pork ribs, apps such as jalapeño poppers and, of course, wings — including the signature fiery, smoked and grilled Wicked Wings.

Eventually, the trio may add beer and wine, though whether the bar scene in Essex will ever reach the booming proportions of the Johnson spot remains to be seen. “We’ll keep it pretty simple,” Collin Sourdiff says.

The original print version of this article was headlined "Double the Burn"