Wingstop Names Charles Morrison President and CEO

Former Pizza Inn CEO appointed to lead rapidly expanding chicken wing chain

Outgoing Wingstop CEO James Flynn to become Executive Chairman of the Board

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Jun 12, 2012, 05:40 ET

RICHARDSON, Texas, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wingstop Board of Directors today announced Charles Morrison has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Morrison replaces James Flynn who becomes Executive Chairman of the Board.

Morrison brings more than 20 years of restaurant experience to the position, and most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer at Pizza Inn Holdings where he also spearheaded the creation and development of a new fast casual pizza concept Pie Five Pizza Company. Prior to Pizza Inn, Morrison was President of Steak and Ale and The Tavern Restaurants for Metromedia Restaurant Group as well as holding management positions at Kinko's, Boston Market and Pizza Hut.

As CEO, Morrison will be responsible for the overall strategy and development of the brand.

"Wingstop has quickly become a powerhouse brand and the preeminent wing chain in the United States," said Morrison. "I'm excited about the opportunity to join this team and look forward to continuing to grow the concept domestically and internationally."

Morrison replaces James Flynn who will become Executive Chairman of the Board. Flynn joined Wingstop in 2003 when the chain had 88 locations in 15 states. Under the guidance of Flynn and his executive team, the chain has grown to 515 locations in 34 states and Mexico. The company has experienced eight consecutive years of same store sales increases.

"Charlie will be the perfect addition to the Wingstop team," said Flynn. "He brings experience, drive and talent to a concept that is one of the top fast casual brands in the country. Our success can be traced back to the commitment of our franchise Brand Partners, dedicated corporate staff and the hard work of all our employees who are in the restaurants saucing and tossing wings every day. We continue to make history, and with Charlie and our executive team, I know we will reach our goal of 1,000 locations and beyond."

About Wingstop:
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has more than 500 restaurants open across the United States and Mexico. With a sole focus on chicken wings, the Wingstop menu features 10 wing flavors including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Hickory Smoked BBQ and Louisiana Rub. 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, 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 affiliates of 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. For more information visit wingstop.com, wingstopfranchise.com or facebook.com/Wingstop.