Wingstop Sales Up 12.6 Percent in Second Quarter

RICHARDSON, Texas, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop announced today that same store sales for the second quarter are up 12.6 percent over the same quarter last year and 11.5 percent for the year to date.

"The popularity of chicken wings is bigger than ever," said Charlie Morrison, who was named Wingstop president and CEO last month. "At a time when many concepts are scrambling to add chicken and wings to the menu, we have been perfecting the wing and fresh, made-to-order chicken for almost two decades – we are the Wing Experts."

Wingstop, which only serves fresh, cooked-to-order wings, boneless wings, strips and Glider sandwiches, has opened 25 new locations so far this year. The company expects to open an additional 30 restaurants in the third and fourth quarters.

"Our guests are avid wing fans, and they appreciate our dedication to quality. It sets us apart," said Morrison.

The rapidly expanding chain also set a franchise sales record for the first half of 2012 – signing agreements to develop 101 new restaurants.

Other milestones this quarter include the formation of four new advertising co-ops in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego and Denver, and the launch of its first national Facebook campaign, which almost quadrupled the number of Wingstop fans.

"This year is shaping up to be one for the record books," added Morrison. "In addition to the double digit sales increase, we are also on track to set a franchise sales record. As we head into the late summer and fall, we are poised for continued growth and that's due in large part to our dedicated franchise Brand Partners, top-notch crew members and hard working corporate team."

Wingstop plans to open an additional 30 stores this year, including its first restaurants in Michigan and Seattle and new locations in developing markets Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis, Charleston and Phoenix.

About Wingstop:
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has 515 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.

SOURCE Wingstop