Wingstop to Open 14 New Restaurants in Chicago

Rapidly expanding wing chain awards two development agreements, including an 11-store deal to grow Chicago presence

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Jan 18, 2012, 10:00 ET

RICHARDSON, Texas, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop today announced the company has signed two development agreements that will result in 14 new restaurants in the Chicago area.

The multi-unit development agreements include an 11-store deal with Chicagoland Wing Kings, LLC, and a three-store deal with existing franchise partners Pat Madden, Sean O'Brien, Dan Moran and Al Connor who own the Wingstop at 4428 S. Pulaski Road and recently opened their second Wingstop at 6188 S. Archer Avenue.

"Chicago loves wings, and has the potential to be one of our strongest markets," said Bev Rich, senior director of franchise development. "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. We expect to double our presence in the area over the next two to three years."

Wingstop currently has 19 restaurants in the Chicago area, including one of the highest grossing stores in the system.

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 10 original flavors.

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