Wingstop, a rapidly expanding chicken chain, has announced plans to open 20 new restaurants in the UK this year, aiming to create hundreds of job opportunities. This decision comes shortly after a US private equity firm acquired Wingstop’s UK branch for over £400 million. The company intends to launch at least 10 new locations in the first half of the year, including dine-in restaurants in various cities such as Swansea, Newcastle, Essex, south London, and Leeds. Additionally, a new delivery kitchen is set to open in Brighton. With 57 existing sites across the UK and over 2,500 employees, Wingstop has experienced remarkable growth, opening 18 new restaurants last year, including its largest site in East London’s Westfield Stratford.
Chris Sherriff, the CEO of Wingstop UK, expressed optimism for the brand’s future, highlighting the significant achievements in 2024, such as new restaurant openings, flagship location launches, and industry recognition. Sherriff stated, “This year we are poised for even greater growth, with plans to expand into new regions and create hundreds of jobs. There is huge momentum, and we can’t wait to bring our flavours to more areas across the UK.” The expansion of Wingstop mirrors the current trend of growth in the chicken chain market in the UK, with other brands like Popeyes venturing into new locations and newcomers such as Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A entering the scene.
Last month, Sixth Street, a US private equity firm and investor in Wingstop Inc, acquired a majority stake in Wingstop UK’s master franchisee, Lemon Pepper Holdings, indicating a strong commitment to further grow the business in the UK market. As the demand for chicken-based fast-food options continues to rise, Wingstop’s expansion plans align with the evolving preferences of UK consumers. The company’s dedication to providing a personalised and authentic experience to customers has contributed to its success and popularity in the competitive food industry landscape.
The move to open 20 new restaurants signifies Wingstop’s strategic approach to capitalising on the growing market demand and strengthening its brand presence across different regions in the UK. By offering a range of dining options, including sit-in restaurants and delivery kitchens, Wingstop aims to cater to a diverse customer base and enhance accessibility to its distinctive flavours and menu offerings. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Wingstop is well-positioned to continue its expansion and solidify its position as a leading player in the UK’s fast-food sector.
The company’s expansion plans reflect a positive outlook for the food and beverage industry in the UK, signalling resilience and growth opportunities despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. As consumer preferences evolve and demand for convenient dining options remains high, Wingstop’s investment in new locations and job creation underscores its commitment to meeting the needs of customers and contributing to the economic landscape. With a strong emphasis on quality food, exceptional service, and community engagement, Wingstop’s growth trajectory sets a promising path for the brand’s future success in the competitive food market in the UK.
