Wingstop to Open 15 New Locations in Atlanta

By: Wingstop Restaurants Inc. | 33 Shares 266 Reads

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.

Wingstop currently has two locations open in the Atlanta area. The first location under the new development agreements is expected to open in early 2012.

"After a very successful open house earlier this year, we had tremendous interest in growing Wingstop in Atlanta," said Steve Sweetman, director of franchise sales for Wingstop. "We've partnered with some talented developers and entrepreneurs who recognize the simplicity in our focused menu of made-to-order wings and fresh-cut fries. Atlanta has the potential to be one of our strongest markets in the southeast."

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 including Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan.

About Wingstop

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has more than 485 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 eight consecutive years of positive sales increases, was named a Top 10 Best Franchise Deal by QSR magazine, was crowned Wing King at the National Buffalo Wing Festival and has been voted 'best wings' in markets 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 and recently joined the Wingstop Board of Directors. 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. More information is available at wingstop.com, wingstopfranchise.com or facebook.com/Wingstop.

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