Wingstop
Chicken wings
- 2022 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#16 Ranked #22 last year
- Initial investment
-
$348K - $759K
- Units as of 2021
-
1,624 36.7% over 3 years
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Wingstop franchise.
Wingstop is a casual food franchise that specializes in wings and french fries. Starting as a small buffalo wing shop in 1994, Wingstop began franchising in 1998. In 2002, it officially reached one billion wings served. The company has more than 1,200 franchises across the United States to go along with over 100 international locations.
Wingstop’s focus isn't just on wings—it strives to rule the flavor game, too. The brand wants to take wings to the next level, serving the freshest product with the sauciest flavors. And that's just the chicken. Their french fries are hand-cut and should be seasoned to perfection.
Why You May Want to Start a Wingstop Franchise
Wingstop has also been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 multiple times in the past several decades. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points that consist of areas in costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.
When it comes to Wingstop's culture, it's clear that their franchisees have joined a company that strives to promote business, community, and looks out for its employees.
When you own a franchise, you may become part of a company that has philanthropy in mind. Working to empower youth through education, Wingstop has a passion for helping young people achieve their dreams. They also may have a Team Member Foundation that looks to help team members in times of financial hardship.
What Might Make a Wingstop Franchise a Good Choice?
Wingstop uses technology that may make your restaurant accessible and fun for customers. Its mobile and online Wing Calculator is in place to assess your hunger level and how many people you need wings for. The calculator may then suggest what you should order to satisfy everyone involved. They also have a useful heat scale, so customers don't accidentally order too spicy of a wing. This smart marketing move is geared toward customer conversion.
Wingstop generally evaluates you on very specific grounds, including multi-franchise ownership history and whether or not you're committed to owning and operating multiple franchise locations.
You should make sure you are financially ready to make an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and renewal fees.
How to Start a Wingstop Franchise
If you meet Wingstop's financial requirements, have prior business experience, and might be willing to take on a multi-unit obligation, this might be a good fit for you.
A dedicated Wingstop franchise team usually assists franchisees every step of the way as they open their location. From choosing a location and undergoing construction to operations and marketing, they try to help their franchisees make smart decisions for their business. You also generally receive a multi-week-long intensive training course at company headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
During the process of opening a franchise, a Wingstop franchise development team member usually contacts you, which may be a great time to ask those burning questions. Franchisees typically attend a discovery day where they meet the executive team and sign franchise agreements. From the wings to the sauce, you could be the boss.
Company Overview
About Wingstop
Franchising Overview
- Franchising Since
- 1998 (24 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 202
- Where seeking
-
This company is seeking new franchisees throughout the US.
This company is seeking new franchisees worldwide.
- # of Units
- 1,624 (as of 2021)
Franchisor Information
Information for Franchisees
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Wingstop franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
- Initial Franchise Fee
- $20,000
- Initial Investment
- $347,600 - $759,100
- Net Worth Requirement
- $1,200,000
- Cash Requirement
- $600,000
- Veteran Incentives
- $15,000 off first-store franchise fee
- Royalty Fee
- 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee
- 4%
- Term of Agreement
- 10 years
- Is franchise term renewable?
- Yes
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
- Third Party Financing
- Wingstop has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
- On-The-Job Training
- 154 hours
- Classroom Training
- 50 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
Purchasing Co-opsNewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresLease NegotiationField OperationsSite SelectionProprietary SoftwareFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Co-op AdvertisingAd TemplatesNational MediaRegional AdvertisingSocial MediaSEOWebsite DevelopmentEmail MarketingLoyalty Program/App
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
- Is absentee ownership allowed?
- Yes
- Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
- No
- Can this franchise be run part time?
- No
- # of employees required to run
- 8-10
- Are exclusive territories available?
- Yes
Work with our free FranCoach and get what you need to start a Wingstop franchise.
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Wingstop landed on this year’s Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Stock History for Wingstop
Ticker Symbol for Wingstop: WING
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Wingstop ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
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