Wingstop Reaches 29 Consecutive Quarters of Positive Comp Store Sales

National wing chain continues to defy odds with increased sales and store growth

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Oct 04, 2010, 11:34 ET

RICHARDSON, Texas, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Wingstop announced same store sales for the third quarter are up 1.9 percent over the same quarter last year and 1.7 percent for the year to date. That marks 29 consecutive quarters of positive comparable store sales – more than seven years of continued growth – for the 460-unit chicken wing chain.

At a time when many chains struggled through the recent recession, the real question is – how do they do it?

"It's simple. We do one thing, and we do it better than anyone else," said Jim Flynn, Wingstop CEO. "Since the concept was created, Wingstop has kept its focus on serving chicken wings that are made fresh and cooked-to-order. Though the average wait time for an order of chicken wings is 14 minutes, guests appreciate the quality, and that dedication has propelled our growth over the years."

Wingstop opened its first location in Garland, Texas in 1994. The chain quickly spread throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and began franchising in 1997. Today more than 95 percent of the network is franchise owned and operated, with the 500th location expected to open in early 2011.

"A large part of our success is attributed directly back to our franchise network," said Wes Jablonski, chief development officer for Wingstop. "From single unit owners to multi-unit developers, we select strong brand partners that are passionate about the business, and customers respond to that."

Now, with the beginning of football season, Wingstop is hitting its busiest time of the year. The chain recently launched a new advertising campaign featuring national spokesman Troy Aikman, and a Boneless Blitz promotion, geared towards stretching dollars for watching parties and events.

"Our menu is designed so that large groups and families can eat, per person, very reasonably," said Andy Howard, chief marketing officer for Wingstop. "We focus on bringing our guests value, whether they are feeding a group of four, or forty."

About Wingstop

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has more than 460 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.

For more information on Wingstop visit www.wingstop.com. For franchise and franchise event information visit www.wingstopfranchise.com or please call 972-686-6500.

SOURCE Wingstop