Meet Our Owners

John & Sue Sala began their career as a Wild Bird Center franchisee in April 2003 when they purchased the Timonium, MD Wild Bird Center franchise operation. Since then they have become multiple store owners and are excellent at employing the Wild Bird Center system to their best advantage. When asked how they chose Wild Bird Centers, they say:

“Before buying a Wild Bird Center franchise we talked with as many owners as possible so we were well informed about our decision. Once of the best experiences running this business is the help and support from franchise headquarters.”


Learn More

“The closer we live to each other, the greater the need we have to live closer to Nature.”

George Petrides, Sr.
Founder, Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc.

Beginning in 1985 as the only store of its type in the mid-Atlantic region, the Wild Bird Centers franchise began as a single road-side store located in an old house. Surrounded by trees and bird feeders, George Petrides Sr. sold primarily Black Oil Sunflower in 50-lb bags. As word of this unique store spread, inventory expanded as business boomed and the store came close to $1 million in gross sales in 1989. Mr. Petrides knew his idea had greater potential and it wasn’t long before others took notice too. Mr. Petrides extended the concept to build a seven store chain in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and by 1990 the business surged by opening new franchise stores in Colorado, California and British Columbia around 1990. WBCA has since grown to over 80 franchised stores in 27 states and provinces – each managed by staff and franchisee owners who are passionate about their business and nature.