Wingstop Reaches 25 Consecutive Quarters of Positive Comp Sales

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Suzanne Musial

National chicken wing chain ends third quarter up 1.6 percent

DALLAS – Wingstop, the nation's fastest-growing chicken wing chain, has announced positive comparable store sales for the 25th consecutive quarter, dating back to July 2003.

Wingstop ended the most recent quarter with a 1.6 percent increase and is up 3.8 percent for the year. The company predicts the positive trend to continue into the fourth quarter, when sales are typically the strongest due to the popularity of wings during the football and holiday seasons.

"In this economy, guests are looking for greater value when dining out," said James A. Flynn, president and CEO of Wingstop. "As a fast casual chain, Wingstop offers convenient carryout service, and family packs and platters to serve a large crowd, but still engages guests in strong customer service and quality. That translates into a solid business and positive sales."

According to the Restaurant Performance Index, 68 percent of operators reported a same-store sales decline in August, but even in these recessionary times, Wingstop continues to perform and experience positive sales systemwide.

During a time in which many chains are struggling with declining sales, Wingstop's continued growth has not gone unnoticed by industry leaders.

"This news is strong evidence that limited-service chains continue to deliver value during a difficult economic climate," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, Inc., an industry research firm. "In addition, fast casual restaurant chains that provide high levels of customer experience and products with high demand will continue to exploit pockets of opportunity in a down market."

Wingstop has 425 restaurants open in 34 states, and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The chain recently received a Restaurants & Institutions' Consumers' Choice in Chains Award, which is based on customer satisfaction in food quality, value, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience.

About Wingstop
Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces. Wingstop has received an American Business Award for Best Overall Company and was chosen Wing King at the 2006 National Buffalo Wing Festival. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain's national spokesman since 2003.

Franchise Information
Wingstop was founded in 1994 and began franchising in 1997.