Wingstop Showcasing Franchise at NFL Super Bowl Networking Event

By: Wingstop Restaurants Inc. | 0 Shares 103 Reads

Dallas-Based Chain Attracts Active and Retired NFL Players as Franchisees

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wingstop will have a team at the Super Bowl this weekend in hopes of adding more former NFL players to its franchise rosters. The company that has sold over one billion of its award-winning wings is a title sponsor at the NFL Player Networking Event (PNE) Friday, Feb. 1 at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.

Now in its eighth year, the PNE is a sanctioned NFL Super Bowl event designed to help players transition from professional football into the business world. The event offers recruiting opportunities for corporations seeking athletes for future employees, endorsements and franchising opportunities.

Professional football and Wingstop franchises have been a winning combination for years.

Wingstop recently signed Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest and former NFL guard and tackle Ron Stone to franchise agreements. In addition, Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman has been spokesman for the brand for four years.

"Being a part of this exciting event just seemed like the natural progression for our brand," said Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise development for Wingstop. "The PNE helps active and former NFL players find business opportunities that are a right fit for both the player and the concept, and our franchise seems a natural fit."

And Wingstop's newest franchisees agree.

"When you're playing pro football you don't really worry about what comes next," said Stone, who played 12 seasons in the NFL. "But after your career it's important to have a game plan. The Player Network Expo is a great opportunity for retired players to align themselves with an established brand."

Stone and his wife Roxanne own and operate three Wingstop restaurants in California.

McGinest owns Los Angeles-based entertainment company 55 Entertainment and recently confirmed a franchise agreement for three restaurants in Southern California. "I love that the food and the concept is easy," McGinest said. "I've been involved with franchising before and wanted to find a business that I could bring to my community."

Wingstop has almost 600 locations open or under development nationwide. The company's systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $200 million in 2007. The company has experienced positive comp store sales for 18 consecutive quarters, moved from 336 to 125 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 ranking of all leading franchise brands worldwide, and recently ranked 76 on the 2007 Fast Casual top 100 Movers & Shakers list.

About Wingstop
Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. The chain now serves boneless wing strips that are made from 100 percent all-white meat chicken breast coated with a proprietary batter and breading. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are made-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, pearl potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces.

Franchise Information:

Wingstop franchise and franchise event information is available at wingstopfranchise.com or by contacting the franchise department at (972) 686-6500 or areadevelopment@wingstop.com.