Yes, Wingstop is a franchise company that specializes in chicken wings, offering franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs since 1997, with a significant global presence and a focus on franchising in various markets, though the UK currently operates under a master franchisee rather than direct UK franchising, per WhichFranchise.com and Wingstop UK's FAQ page.
Wingstop began franchising in 1997. The U.K. master franchise rights were bought in 2017, the 10th country for Wingstop to move into, with plans to open over 100 Wingstop restaurants across the U.K. in the next 12 years revealed.
The UK franchise of Wingstop has been sold to US investment firm Sixth Street as it looks to continue its expansion. Lemon Pepper Holdings, the master franchisee for the chicken wing chain in the UK and Ireland, is understood to have sold the business for more than the £400m originally reported.
The restaurant chain was founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, and began offering franchises in 1997. As of 2026, Wingstop had over 3,000 restaurants worldwide. The chain is headquartered in Addison, Texas.
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Is Wingstop a good investment?
Wingstop is holding a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell) right now. With respect to valuation, Wingstop is currently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 56.69. This represents a premium compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 20.56.
The total initial investment to open a Wingstop franchise ranges from $298,000 to $1,014,000 in the US and £310,000 to £615,000 in the UK, plus an additional franchise fee per store.
Rick Ross, the renowned rapper and entrepreneur, has expanded his business ventures into the franchise world, particularly with Wingstop and Checkers. His first Wingstop franchise was opened in Memphis, TN, in 2011, driven by his fondness for their Lemon Pepper-flavored wings.
Tom Grogan, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, became a multimillionaire after selling a majority stake in Wingstop UK to a US-based private equity firm in a deal worth 400 million pounds (Rs 4,670 crore).
Chris Sherriff is the CEO of Wingstop UK, leading its rapid expansion to 58 locations with plans to reach over 180 restaurants in five years. He joined the company in 2021 as COO before becoming CEO in 2024. Previously, he held senior roles at Ben & Jerry's and Yum!
🔥 Rick Ross: Turning Hustle Into Legacy 🔥 Rapper, mogul, and business powerhouse Rick Ross owns 25+ Wingstop franchises — and his commitment to generational wealth is next-level. For his son's 16th birthday, Ross didn't just throw a party… he gifted him his very own Wingstop franchise.
Rick Ross built his wealth through a diverse portfolio, starting with a successful music career (Maybach Music Group, hit albums) as a foundation, then expanding into lucrative franchises (Wingstop, Checkers), major brand endorsements (Belaire champagne, Reebok), significant real estate investments (including properties used as filming locations), and other ventures like a hair care line, leveraging his "boss" image into tangible assets and income streams.
Yearly gross sales of $2,001,753 and estimated earnings of $240,211 - $300,263 show the potential financial performance of this franchise. These figures are crucial for prospective franchisees as they help to project revenue and profitability.
Wingstop's halal status varies significantly by country: it's fully halal in the UK, UAE, and Singapore, with all chicken certified, but in the USA and Canada, it's generally not universally halal, requiring customers to check with specific local branches, as it depends on individual franchise practices. While chicken might be halal, some sauces or items could contain non-halal ingredients like alcohol or pork, so strict observers should always verify.
With over 98% of Wingstop outlets being franchise-owned, the company leverages initial franchise fees and ongoing royalties based on sales (Wingstop Annual Report, 2023). This model ensures both brand integrity and consistent revenue generation.
Wingstop UK prices vary by location but generally range from around £8.50 for 8 wings/boneless to £12.25 for 12 pieces, with meal deals like "The Flavour Fix" (8 wings/boneless, 3 tenders, fries) at about £16.95, and larger platters like "The Crowd Pleaser" for £100, offering value for larger groups, with flavors and dips adding to the cost.
What was Wingstop's revenue in 2024? Wingstop's annual revenue for the twelve months ending Dec 28, 2024 was $625.81 million, a 36.03% increase year over year. How much does Wingstop make in a day? Based on Wingstop annual revenue for the past five years, WING makes an average of $1,082,025.21 per day.
The 7% sell rule is a risk management guideline in stock trading that advises selling a stock if it drops 7% (or 7-8%) below your purchase price to limit losses, protect capital, and remove emotion from decisions. Developed by William J. O'Neil (founder of Investor's Business Daily), it's based on market history showing that strong stocks rarely fall more than 8% below their ideal entry points before recovering, preventing small losses from becoming major ones.
Rick Ross. As the founder of Maybach Music Group, Ross doesn't miss a beat when it comes to franchise investments. The rapper owns nearly 30 Wingstop restaurants. According to Ross, the franchises generate roughly $7 million for him annually.
