Racine & Me: T-BIRDS Brings Hickory-Smoked Turkey Wings to Downtown Racine

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- T-BIRDS is a carryout-only restaurant in Downtown Racine specializing in hickory-smoked turkey wings. Located at 619 Wisconsin Avenue, the restaurant opened in May 2026 after first launching as a small food trailer that traveled throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. What makes T-BIRDS different is simple: smoked, not fried; turkey, not chicken; and all-flats, always. Each wing is dry-rubbed overnight, slow-smoked with hickory wood, and finished hot for crispy skin and deep smoke flavor. The menu intentionally stays focused on a few signature items, including smoked turkey wings, hand-cut cottage fries, hand-squeezed lemonade, and classic dipping sauces. The name T-BIRDS represents both Turkey and Thunderbird, inspired by founder Ollie Banks’ late grandfather and his 1956 Thunderbird. The business was built gradually while balancing a full-timecareer, using the food trailer to test the concept before making the leap to a permanent storefront.Guests can now enjoy the new $20 Combo Meal, which includes one smoked turkey wing, hand-cutcottage fries, and a 20-ounce hand-squeezed lemonade.Looking ahead, T-BIRDS will be celebrating the start of the NFL season on Sept 13while also launchingits 20, 30, and 40-piece wing bundles designed for football watch parties and group gatherings.T-BIRDS is also preparing for its biggest day of the year: Thanksgiving. Customers will be able topreorder large smoked turkey wing bundles for Thanksgiving Day pickup. As more families embracenon-traditional holiday meals, smoked turkey wings have become a unique and flavorful alternative toa traditional turkey. The restaurant expects a very strong demand from local customers looking for an easier, more memorable centerpiece for their holiday gatherings. For more information, please visit us at http://tbirdswings.com