Meet Terrance Graham | TJ. Owner of Drums VS Flats

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

Hi Terrance, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Drums VS Flats was born out of one of the most uncertain times of my life. I had just become a new dad to my son, and like so many others, I lost my job due to COVID. I was standing at a crossroads—new responsibilities, no income, and a world that felt like it was falling apart. But I saw it as an opportunity to bet on myself.

I started cooking wings out of my garage in 2020. It wasn’t just about selling food—it was about creating something solid in a time when everything felt unstable. My thought process was simple: take my love for flavor, pair it with unmatched customer service, and create an experience that would keep people coming back.

I knew I didn’t want to be just another wing spot. I wanted to build a brand that stood for excellence, hustle, and community. I wanted my son to grow up seeing what resilience and vision could build. That’s why I always say: *what we sell is customer service… it just happens to come with wings.*

What should our readers know about your business?
Drums VS Flats isn’t just a wing spot—it’s an experience. What sets us apart is our commitment to two things: unmatched customer service and bold, unforgettable flavors. Every sauce on our menu is handcrafted from scratch, created to hit different and leave a lasting impression. But more than that, we built a brand that feels like family. From the moment you walk up to our window, you feel the energy, the love, and the passion behind every plate.

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come from the early grind—cooking in small spaces, selling plates by word of mouth, and building a following one wing at a time. It all started with a vision, a deep belief in our product, and the urgency to provide for my son after losing my job during the pandemic. With limited resources but unlimited drive, we turned a side hustle into a full-blown brand.

The journey was anything but easy—there were late nights, trailer issues, financial setbacks, and days when we questioned if it was even worth it. But consistency and community kept us going. We listened, adapted, and kept showing up.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that pressure builds character. You have to stay locked in, even when things don’t move as fast as you want. Drums VS Flats is more than wings—it’s a symbol of resilience, flavor, and the power of betting on yourself.

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 was visiting Charlotte for the week, I’d make sure they got the full experience—good food, good vibes, and a taste of the city the way *we* do it.

We’d definitely hit up **Frankie’s** for some bowling and arcade fun, then eat our way through Charlotte’s food truck scene. I’d introduce them to my people—**Boujee Soul Food**, **The Patty Wagon**, **Geechie Gal**, and **Station2**—some of the best in the game and real friends of Drums VS Flats.

Of course, they’d have to pull up to the trailer and see how we do wings for real. And if it’s sports season, we’re grabbing tickets to a **Panthers** or **Hornets** game to round things out. Chill days would be spent catching a vibe around the city, but really, as long as there’s good food and good people, that’s a perfect trip in my book.

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?
Absolutely—this journey hasn’t been a solo mission, and I’m grateful for the village that’s helped me build Drums VS Flats into what it is today.

First and foremost, shoutout to my son—he’s the reason I go so hard every day. Becoming a father lit a fire in me like nothing else. And major love to his mom, Azurae, who not only helped raise him but was right there with me slingin’ wings out the garage when this was just a hustle with a vision. That type of support during uncertain times means everything.

I also want to show love to the mentors who’ve poured into me along the way—people who challenged me, gave me game, and helped me level up as both a man and entrepreneur.

And of course, I have to thank every single customer who’s ever pulled up, posted about us, or told a friend. Y’all aren’t just customers—you’re family. The DVF Family is the heart of this brand, and none of this would be possible without that community love.

Website: https://www.drumsnflatsclt.com

Instagram: DrumsVSFlatsCLT

Facebook: Drums VS Flats

Other: Online Ordering Link: https://easyeats.com/menu/f/ind/fid/803