Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. Sets Record for Franchise Sells in 2007

By: Wingstop Restaurants Inc. | 0 Shares 131 Reads

2008 Off to Strong Start with Agreements for 18 Restaurants

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wingstop, the chicken wing chain that has sold more than one billion wings, had a record year for franchise sales in 2007, closing agreements on 145 stores in 2007. That number represents the most ever for the Dallas-based chain, but the company is on track to exceed that record with 18 stores already signed in 2008.

The 145 stores include agreements for 86 restaurants to be opened by new franchisees and 59 to be opened by existing franchisees. Bev Rich, Wingstop's director of franchise development, led the record-breaking effort, selling 90 of the 145 stores.

Among its new franchisees are recording artist E-40, NFL player Willie McGinest and former NFL player Ron Stone.

"Wingstop is becoming the most recognized chicken wing restaurant around," said E-40, whose Bay Area restaurant will open this year. "I first tried the food in Dallas and as soon as I tasted the wings I was hooked."

California gained the most new restaurants, with 25 additional restaurants to be opened by the end of 2008.

"This has been a banner year for Wingstop, and we expect 2008 to be even bigger," said Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise development for Wingstop. "So far we are on track in 2008 to exceed last year. Our simple, efficient concept and quality product coupled with the Wingstop name are growing our brand across the country."

The Dallas-based company was founded in 1994 and began franchising in 1997. Today Wingstop has almost 600 locations open or under development nationwide and systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $200 million in 2007.

Wingstop has experienced positive comp store sales for 18 consecutive quarters and moved from 336 to 125 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 ranking of all leading franchise brands worldwide. The company recently placed 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.