Wingstop UK hires ex-TRG head of acquisitions amid ‘strong growth’

Wingstop UK has hired ex-TRG (The Restaurant Group) Adrian Saunders as its head of acquisitions amid an ambitious roll-out of the fried chicken brand.

The Texas-based buffalo wing shop launched its first UK outlet in 2018 under Lemon Pepper Holdings and has since grown to over 45 sites across the country.

The company is currently on track to open 18 further locations this year, with further growth billed for 2025. 

It is looking to plot further sites in “high-footfall locations”, such as high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.

Saunders previously led the acquisitions of roughly 90 restaurants for TRG across its Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito portfolio, which have since been sold to Café Rouge owner Big Table Group.

He also acquired 45 high street and shopping centre sites for Wagamama, including the pan Asian casual dining chain’s first New York City location.

In 2018, he was involved in the restructuring of Byron Hamburgers through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), which enabled the sale of the business and saved more than 1,000 jobs.

He will now work closely with Mark Segal of commercial property specialist Brasier Freeth, which has been the exclusive partner to Wingstop UK’s growth plans over the past four years.

Saunders said: “I am excited to join Wingstop UK at such a pivotal time in the brand’s journey. The momentum Wingstop has built across the UK is phenomenal, and I look forward to applying my experience in driving growth and securing prime locations to take the brand to the next level.”

Chris Sherriff, chief executive of Wingstop UK, added: “Adrian’s impressive track record in the restaurant sector and his strategic insight make him the perfect addition to our team. We’re on a strong growth trajectory, with 18 new locations set to open this year and a very healthy pipeline already in place for 2025. Adrian’s expertise will be invaluable as we look to roll out even more sites across the UK."

In 2022, Lemon Pepper Holdings, the UK master franchisee of Wingstop, secured a multi-million-pound debt facility to fund further expansion.

Last month, it was reported Lemon Pepper Holdings has hired asset manager Goldman Sachs to arrange a sale of the business, according to Sky News.