Roark Capital Adds Troy Aikman to Wingstop Board of Directors

By: Wingstop Restaurants Inc. | 6 Shares 138 Reads

Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox Sports analyst has served as Wingstop spokesman since 2003

February 03, 2011 // Franchising.com // RICHARDSON, Texas - Roark Capital today announced that Troy Aikman has joined the Wingstop Board of Directors. The Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox Sports analyst has been the company's national spokesman since 2003.

Wingstop is a leading franchisor and operator of fast casual restaurants focusing on bone-in and boneless chicken wings and chicken strips.

"I'm excited to expand my relationship with Wingstop," said Aikman. "I've served as the Wingstop spokesman for several years, and was a fan even before that. Recently I've gotten to know the Roark team and am confident they will help management take this concept to the next level. I look forward to my new role as a member of the team."

Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm with more than $1.5 billion of equity capital under management, acquired the fast-growing chicken wing chain in 2010.

"Since retiring from football, Troy has distinguished himself as a savvy and successful businessman," said Steve Romaniello, managing director of Roark Capital Group. "We are excited to benefit from his insight and experience as we continue to grow Wingstop."

"In the seven years that Wingstop has been working with Troy we've developed a long-standing partnership and trust," said Jim Flynn, Wingstop CEO. "Adding Troy to our Board is a perfect way to recognize that relationship and take it to the next level."

Aikman joins a board that also includes Sid Feltenstein, former Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Burger King and Chairman of Yorkshire Global Restaurants, and Jon Luther, current Chairman of Dunkin' Brands.

About Roark Capital Group

Roark Capital Group is an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in consumer, business and environmental services companies with attractive growth prospects and revenues ranging from $20 million to $1.0 billion. Roark focuses on middle-market investment opportunities through family-owned business transfers, management and corporate buyouts, recapitalizations, going-private transactions and corporate divestitures. Roark has acquired 19 franchise/multi-unit brands that collectively have approximately 3,500 franchisees and $5 billion in system-wide revenues across 50 states and 43 countries. Its current franchise portfolio includes such brands as Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky's, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Money Mailer, Fast Signs, Batteries Plus, Primrose Schools, Pet Valu, Wingstop, Auntie Anne's, and Seattle's Best Coffee in certain international markets. The firm has more than $1.5 billion of equity capital under management. For more information, visit www.roarkcapital.com

About Wingstop

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has more than 475 restaurants open across the United States and Mexico. With a sole focus on chicken wings, the Wingstop menu features nine wing flavors including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. Wings are made fresh, cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including Wingstop's award winning fresh-cut seasoned fries. Wingstop has experienced more than seven consecutive years of positive sales increases, received multiple American Business Awards, was crowned Wing King at the National Buffalo Wing Festival and has been voted 'best wings' by outlets across the country. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain's national spokesman since 2003. Wingstop was acquired in 2010 by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in business and consumer service companies with attractive growth prospects and revenues ranging from $20 million to $1.0 billion.

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