Wingstop CEO: ‘We are poised for even greater growth’

Chicken chain Wingstop has revealed plans to open more than 20 new UK restaurants this year, creating hundreds of jobs.

Its expansion comes after the UK franchise was sold to US investment firm Sixth Street for more than £400m in December.

At least 10 new sites are set to open in the first half of the year, including dine-in restaurants in Swansea, Newcastle, Lakeside, Streatham and Cardigan Fields, as well as a delivery kitchen in Brighton.

Wingstop was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1994 and made its UK debut in London in 2018. It now employs more than 2,500 people across 57 restaurants.

The chain’s UK growth has been rapid, with 18 new locations opening in 2024 alone. This included the launch of a flagship venue at London’s Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, which is the largest Wingstop in the world with over 160 covers.

Chris Sheriff, chief executive at Wingstop, said: “2024 has been a landmark year for Wingstop UK, marked by record site openings, a new flagship location and industry accolades.

“This year, we are poised for even greater growth, with plans to expand into new regions and create hundreds of jobs. Thank you to the brilliant work of all our employees, who drive us to keep growing while providing a personalised and authentic experience to wing-lovers up and down the country.

“There is huge momentum, and we can’t wait to bring our flavours to more areas across the UK.”

Wingstop’s expansion comes amid a boom in growth of chicken chains, with fellow US imports Popeyes and Dave’s Hot Chicken also targeting major UK expansion.