Wingstop Restaurants Inc. Franchise News

Annual List to Honor O.C.’s Top Up-and-Coming Young Professionals
May 21, 2012 // Franchising.com // ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. ­– Orange County Wingstop owner Danny Sonenshine was recently named to OC METRO Magazine’s annual 40 Under 40 List. Each year, OC METRO Magazine, Orange County’s premier business and lifestyle publication, selects a group of young professionals who have proven that they have what it takes to make a difference in Orange County through passion, enthusiasm and drive.
Throughout the year, OC METRO’s editorial staff collects nominations and scours submissions until the time comes to determine the top young professionals worthy of securing a spot on the 40 Under 40 List. This year, Sonenshine is honored to be chosen and featured in the May issue of the magazine...

Richard Connolly Signs Multiple Development Agreement with The Wing Experts
May 04, 2012 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop is expanding in the Southeast thanks to a development agreement to open several new locations throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Richard Connolly of Hilton Head, S.C. has signed a multi-unit development agreement that includes Savannah, Pooler, Hinesville, and Fort Stewart in the state of Georgia and Lexington and Richland Counties in the state of South Carolina.
Connolly, who also owns 13 Panera Bread locations throughout Georgia and South Carolina, was drawn to Wingstop’s ease of operations and focused menu of cooked-to-order wings and sides.
“I heard about Wingstop from friends in the restaurant industry who had very good things to say about the brand, and its parent company, Roark Capital Group,” said Connolly...

High-flying chicken wing chain signs agreements to open 50+ new location.
RICHARDSON, Texas, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop announced today that same store sales for the first quarter are up 10.5 percent over the same quarter last year. The 500+ unit chain has now experienced positive comp sales for more than eight consecutive years.
In addition to double digit comp sales increases, Wingstop signed franchise agreements that will result in 58 new locations in the U.S., a new first quarter record for the company. The development agreements will result in multiple locations in Detroit, Philadelphia, Bethlehem and Allentown, Pa. Lexington, S.C., Metairie, La., Savannah, Ga., Columbia, S.C., Phoenix and Hawaii. 
"We are coming off one of our most successful quarters in the company's history," said Jim Flynn, Wingstop president and CEO...

National wing chain to open at 1133 Chastain Road Northwest in May
March 29, 2012 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop, the 500-unit national chicken wing chain that sells one million wings daily, announced today its first Kennesaw, Ga. restaurant will open at 1133 Chastain Road Northwest this May.
The Kennesaw location is the first of 11 Wingstop restaurants that franchise group Tomahawk Brands, LLC will open in the Atlanta area.
“We’re excited to announce the location of our first Wingstop,” said Darren Crosby, president of Tomahawk Brands. “It’s in a growing shopping corridor with great retailers, and close to Kennesaw State University. We believe it’s the perfect spot to introduce Kennesaw to Wingstop...

Wingstop celebrates 500th restaurant with prizes for fans.
Allen, Texas resident Diana Clary awarded grand prize trip to Orlando.
March 12, 2012 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop may not yet offer delivery of its signature wings, but the company made an exception on March 1 when members of the corporate office surprised wing fan Diana Clary and her family with balloons, a platter of Original Hot and Louisiana Rub wings, and a trip for four to Orlando.
Clary was the grand prizewinner in the Wingstop Destination 500 Sweepstakes, where she won a four-day, three-night trip for four to Orlando, Fla.
Wingstop guests were invited to enter the online sweepstakes Dec. 19 through Jan. 19 as part of the company’s 500th restaurant celebration, which recently opened in Brooklyn, N...

Wingstop sells more than 5.6 million wings in single day – a 12 percent increase over last 2011.
February 21, 2012 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop set a new company record earlier this month, selling 5.6 million wings on Super Bowl Sunday – a 12 percent increase over 2011.
This marked the 12th straight year Wingstop set a sales record on the day of the Super Bowl. In addition, Wingstop’s same store sales are currently up 11.7 percent for the year-to-date.
“If you were to place 5.6 million wings end-to-end it would stretch over 300 miles – that’s how many wings we sold on Super Sunday,” said Wingstop CEO Jim Flynn.
This year guests also took advantage of the Wingstop online ordering system and phone app, some placing orders up to a full week in advance of their Super Bowl parties...

The Wing Experts at 500 locations prep for busiest day of the year; Fans encouraged to pre-order by Feb. 1 for The Big Game
RICHARDSON, Texas, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This year the National Chicken Council projects more than 1.25 billion wings - or 100 million pounds - will be consumed during the Super Bowl weekend. And on Sunday, Feb. 5, more than 6,500 Wing Experts nationwide will join forces behind the counter at 500 Wingstop restaurants to sauce and toss 5.6 million wings.
Since Wingstop was founded almost 20 years ago, the company has seen a steady increase in Super Sunday business, and expects 2012 sales will increase 12 percent over last year.
"Wings are becoming the go-to snack for Super Sunday parties," said Jim Flynn, Wingstop president and CEO...

Rapidly expanding wing chain awards two development agreements, including an 11-store deal to grow Chicago presence.
RICHARDSON, Texas, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop today announced the company has signed two development agreements that will result in 14 new restaurants in the Chicago area.
The multi-unit development agreements include an 11-store deal with Chicagoland Wing Kings, LLC, and a three-store deal with existing franchise partners Pat Madden, Sean O'Brien, Dan Moran and Al Connor who own the Wingstop at 4428 S. Pulaski Road and recently opened their second Wingstop at 6188 S. Archer Avenue.
"Chicago loves wings, and has the potential to be one of our strongest markets," said Bev Rich, senior director of franchise development...

Vernon promoted to oversee Wingstop franchise development, construction and real estate departments.
RICHARDSON, Texas, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapidly-expanding Wingstop, which recently opened its 500th restaurant, has promoted David Vernon to Senior Vice President of Development. In his new role, Vernon will oversee the franchise development, construction and real estate departments.
"Since joining the Wingstop family, Dave has produced outstanding results and cultivated relationships with new franchise groups and existing brand partners," said Jim Flynn, Wingstop president and CEO. "As our new senior vice president of development he will be even more involved in spearheading the company's overall growth and development as we open 60 new restaurants in 2012...

Rapidly-expanding wing chain to open 500th store in Brooklyn, N.Y. - Thanks guests with special offer on Dec. 19
RICHARDSON, Texas, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop, the national chicken wing chain that has sold over 3 billion wings, will celebrate its 500th restaurant – located at 289 Livingston Street in Brooklyn, N.Y. – on Monday, Dec. 19.
In celebration of 500 restaurants, and as a thank you to wing fans across the country, the company is offering a $5.00 special on its 5-wing combo – available Monday, Dec. 19 only. The offer includes 5 regular wings or 5 boneless wings, sauced and tossed in any of 10 flavors, a regular beverage and a regular order of fresh-cut, seasoned fries.
"Opening our 500th restaurant is a huge milestone for our brand," said Jim Flynn, Wingstop president and CEO...

WIS Master S.A. de C.V. to grow Wingstop through sub-franchising
RICHARDSON, Texas, Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on the success of its stores in Mexico City, Wingstop today announced the company will add 120 restaurants across Mexico over the next seven years, thanks to a master franchise agreement with WIS Master S.A. de C.V.
Franchise owners Antonio Ortiz Dominguez, Jose Francisco Cantu Quintero and Jose Luis Serrato Villegas opened 10 Wingstop locations in Mexico City over the last two years as part of an original multi-unit franchise agreement. Now, with the master license, the group plans to expand Wingstop throughout the country through their own development and sub-franchises.
"We have found the perfect franchise partners in WIS Master," said Dave Vernon, vice president of franchise sales for Wingstop...

New crispy, tangy, dry-rubbed wing now available nationwide
RICHARDSON, Texas, Oct. 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in more than five years, Wingstop has added a new flavor to its award-winning menu. The national wing chain today announced the introduction of its 10th flavor – Louisiana Rub – a crispy, dry rub wing with a blend of tangy seasonings and spices.
"Three of our most popular wing flavors are Original Hot, Lemon Pepper and Cajun," said Andy Howard, Wingstop Chief Marketing Officer and EVP of Research and Development. "We wanted to create a unique, new flavor that captured the essence of those favorites, but with a new spin. The result is a dry rub wing with a kick."
Louisiana Rub is available on traditional or boneless wings, boneless strips or Glider sandwiches...

Gooden to bring award-winning hot wing chain to Orlando
October 11, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – The lockout may have stalled the NBA season, but things are still heating up for Milwaukee Bucks forward Drew Gooden. Gooden has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with national hot wing chain Wingstop to open four restaurants in Orlando over the next few years.
Gooden and his operating partner, George Taylor III, have formed Zerocon Food Systems, LLC and expect to open their first location in early 2012.
“With the lockout, a lot of us are thinking about our futures and looking for new business and investment opportunities,” said Gooden. “I’ve been a big fan of Wingstop for years, so this is a perfect fit for me...

Now open at 7706 Winchester Road; Grand opening planned for Oct. 15
October 05, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – America's best wings have landed in Memphis, thanks to platinum selling recording artist Rick Ross. Today, the Maybach Music Group CEO opened his first Wingstop restaurant at 7706 Winchester Road.
Wingstop and Rick Ross first appeared together on Ross' hit single "MC Hammer" where he rapped about his love of the chain's Lemon Pepper-flavored wings. Now, just over a year later, Ross has opened his own Wingstop.
"It's time for us to make it happen in Memphis," he said. "With Wingstop we are bringing in the food I like and adding jobs to the community. It's a double win."
Ross, who is currently preparing for the release of his fifth studio album, will work with an operating partner to run the restaurant...

Overall sales up 4.7 percent for year-to-date
October 04, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas– Wingstop announced today that same store sales for the third quarter are up 5.6 percent over the same quarter last year, and up 4.7 percent for the year-to-date, marking more than eight consecutive years of positive sales for the brand. "That we have experienced eight straight years of same store sales increases is truly a testament to our network of franchise partners," said Jim Flynn, CEO and president of Wingstop. "We work with some of the strongest, most focused operators in the industry and their passion for the Wingstop brand is the cornerstone of our success." With a sole focus on cooked-to-order chicken, the Wingstop menu features traditional and boneless wings, strips and the chain's newest offering – Glider sandwiches – all sauced and tossed in nine original flavors...

RICHARDSON, Texas – Guests are in for a treat when they visit the newly remodeled Wingstop at 5410 Walzem Road in San Antonio. After being closed for a short renovation, the restaurant reopened today to unveil its new look.
The store, which first opened its doors in 2001, features a new design that retains the store's aviation theme, and includes a new décor package featuring a wall mural of a B-17 bomber, new table tops and chairs, updated lighting, menu boards and flat-screen televisions. The renovation also includes additional seating to accommodate an increase in lunch traffic.
″Guests noticed the new look immediately. We're already receiving very positive feedback on the new design,″ said owner Charles Loflin...

National wing chain to host franchise event Sept. 21 - 22
RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop, which was recently named to Zagat's 2011 National Fast Food Survey, is expanding in Philadelphia. The 485-unit chain currently plans to add an additional 20 locations in the area over the next several years.
Wingstop representatives will be at the Hilton Philadelphia Airport Sept. 21 and 22 to meet one-on-one with potential franchisees about expansion opportunities. Wingstop currently has a franchised location across from Temple University, which is owned by pro athlete and Temple alum Raheem Brock.
″Our Philadelphia restaurant has a very loyal fan following which creates a lot of potential for expansion," said Steve Sweetman, director of franchise sales for Wingstop...

September 08, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop soars with fans! The Wing Experts were recently named to Zagat's 2011 National Fast Food Survey. Wingstop, which serves only cooked-to-order chicken, ranked second in the newly created 'Best Wings' category.

The 2011 Fast Food Survey covered 103 chains that were put to the vote by 6,064 diners across the country. Diners rated the restaurants based on the quality of their Food, Facilities and Service on Zagat's signature 30-point scale and ranked their favorites.

"Since 1994 Wingstop has been serving made-to-order chicken wings, and that single focus is still our core menu today," said Jim Flynn, President and CEO of Wingstop. "We keep the emphasis on a fresh product sauced and tossed in our nine flavors, and we're honored Zagat surveyors appreciate that dedication to quality...

National wing chain signs development agreement for four locations in Louisville, Ky. September 07, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop is coming to Louisville, Ky. The rapidly expanding wing chain recently signed a four-store development agreement with longtime franchisee Eddie Williams to open its first restaurants in Kentucky beginning with a location at 4812 Dixie Highway, in Kingsford Plaza.

Williams currently owns a Wingstop in Decatur, Ill. and was one of the first franchise owners to open a Wingstop restaurant outside of Texas. After a family trip to Louisville last summer, Williams, his wife Renee and their three children made one of the biggest decisions of their lives – to leave Illinois and move to Kentucky...

Rapidly expanding wing chain awards three development agreements, including an 11-store deal with Tomahawk Brands, LLC, to grow Atlanta presence September 06, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas – Wingstop announced today the company has signed multiple development agreements that will result in 15 new restaurants in the Atlanta area.

Wingstop, which is owned by Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group, hosted an open house event last spring where franchise candidates had an opportunity to meet with company executives and learn more about expansion plans in Atlanta.

Now, just four months later, Wingstop has signed three multi-unit development agreements, including an 11-store deal with Tomahawk Brands, LLC, and a multiple franchise agreement with K and M Patel Investments, LLC of Peachtree City, Ga...