Fast-growing chicken wing chain to open first New York-area restaurant in Queens; expansion planned throughout Northeast
DALLAS – Wingstop, the chicken wing chain that has sold over 1.8 billion wings, has announced plans to open its first New York restaurant, the first of more than 70 openings planned as part of an aggressive expansion campaign in the Northeast.
The restaurant will open this spring in Queens, thanks to a development agreement with Macmillan “Mac” Khahera.
"Wingstop and New York are made for each other," said Queens-native Khahera. "New Yorkers love great tasting food and that's what Wingstop delivers. I wanted to be part of something that was groundbreaking and new, and one of the first people to launch this concept in the Northeast.”
Khahera plans to open his first store in Astoria or Forest Hills and thinks the community will appreciate the menu, which focuses on nine flavors of bone-in and boneless wings, side dishes, beer and wine.
“There are some great restaurants in Queens, but nothing exclusive to just wings,” Khahera said. “Plus it’s a high-volume, young population with lots of foot traffic.”
In support of its expansion campaign to open additional restaurants in the Northeast, Wingstop has announced an upcoming Tour & Taste franchise event at the New York Marriott Marquis December 9. The event will offer an opportunity to learn about Wingstop franchising and meet with company executives during a presentation, product tasting and Q&A. Wingstop, which is celebrating its 15-year anniversary, has grown to more than 430 stores and believes the Tri-State area can support many additional locations.
WHO: Small business owners, multi-unit franchisees and entrepreneurs interested in learning about opening and operating Wingstop in the Northeast.
WHAT: Wingstop Tour & Taste Franchise Event
WHEN: Wednesday, December 9
Event registration: 1:30 – 2 p.m.; Event: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
REGISTER: For registration information, event details and more, please visit www.wingstopevent.com.
“The Northeast has great potential for Wingstop franchisees,” said Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise development for Wingstop. “Buffalo wings were born in New York and Wingstop consistently receives top honors for its proprietary flavors and recipes. We’re excited to begin offering franchises here and see a lot of room for growth.”
Dallas-based Wingstop was founded in 1994 and began franchising in 1997. Wingstop recently experienced a record 25 consecutive quarters of positive comp stores sales and systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $255.4 million in 2008.
Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. The chain now serves boneless wing strips that are made from 100 percent all-white meat chicken breast coated with a proprietary batter and breading. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are made-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.