Quick Summary
Wingstop, a standout in the fast-food industry with its aviation-themed ambiance and focus on chicken wings, presents a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs.
The brand’s success is driven by its unique flavors, proprietary recipes, and a strategic emphasis on takeout, resulting in efficiently sized stores. Some locations enhance the customer experience by offering beer and wine, which can help boost profit margins for Wingstop franchise owners.
Inspired by the 1930s and 1940s aviation era, Wingstop’s theme adds to its distinctive appeal.
With a history of robust growth, including partnering with DoorDash for delivery and going public in 2015, Wingstop offers potential franchisees a tested and profitable business model backed by a strong brand identity and a commitment to quality.
Key Takeaways
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Wingstop operates as a franchise, allowing rapid expansion through franchisees who pay initial fees, royalties, and adhere to quality standards.
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With over 1,892 locations in the U.S. and recent expansion into France, Wingstop’s unique flavors and decor signify its growing global presence.
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Franchisees undergo extensive training, including online courses, classroom instruction, and hands-on experience, ensuring high-quality service and food consistency.
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Opening a Wingstop franchise requires a significant investment between $347,600 and $759,100, with ongoing fees for royalties, marketing, and local advertising.
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Average revenue for a Wingstop franchise in 2021 was $1,592,657, indicating potential profitability varies by location, size, and management effectiveness.
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Is Wingstop A Franchise?
Yes, Wingstop operates primarily as a franchise, with most of its locations owned by franchisees. This model has facilitated Wingstop’s expansion, allowing it to maintain quality across its network.
Franchisees are subject to an initial fee and ongoing royalties and must adhere to Wingstop’s supply chain requirements, ensuring consistency and quality in every meal served.
How Many Wingstop Locations Are There?
As of 2024, Wingstop boasts more than 1,892 locations in the United States alone.
This prominent fast-food chain is renowned for its unique flavors and aviation-themed decor, driving its rapid domestic and international expansion. Recent ventures have included opening franchises in France, underscoring Wingstop’s ambition to extend its global footprint.
The brand’s strategic growth plan indicates a bright future for further international and domestic expansion, reinforcing its position as a key player in the restaurant franchise sector.
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What Training Is Required To Open A Wingstop?
Before launching their Wingstop restaurant, potential franchise owners must complete an extensive training program to meet the brand’s high standards. This program encompasses more than:
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19 hours of online training
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Over 30 hours of classroom instruction at Wingstop’s Restaurant Support Center in Dallas, Texas.
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An intensive 153 hours of hands-on training in an actual Wingstop restaurant.
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When opening a new restaurant, franchisees must have oversight from two Opening Restaurant Trainers on-site for up to 14 days to assist with the launch.
In addition, franchise owners and their managers may be required to engage in ongoing training sessions to stay updated with the latest operational practices and menu innovations, ensuring the Wingstop brand continues to deliver exceptional quality and service across all locations.
How Much Does It Cost To Open A Wingstop?
Opening a Wingstop franchise requires a significant financial commitment, with total costs ranging from $347,600 to $759,100. This investment varies based on several factors, including the restaurant’s location, with urban areas typically costing more than rural ones.
The size of the restaurant also influences startup costs, with larger establishments requiring more capital. Additionally, the franchisee’s experience can affect the overall investment needed.
These costs cover opening inventory, leasehold improvements, local advertising, promotional expenses, and more, excluding real estate purchase or lease costs.
While running a restaurant, franchisees will be required to pay ongoing fees, such as:
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Royalty Fee: Franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee equivalent to 6% of their monthly gross sales.
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Marketing Fee: A fee of 4% covers marketing and advertising campaigns carried out by the corporate office.
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Local Advertising Fee: As of 2024, franchisees must pay 1% of monthly gross sales to a local advertising campaign.
Franchisees must meet specific qualifications, including a minimum net worth of $1,200,000 and $600,000 in liquid capital and assets.
Wingstop also requires potential franchisees to open at least three stores and have multi-unit management or relevant experience.
This can be an obstacle to some entrepreneurs, but this approach helps Wingstop keep consistent quality across units and allows Wingstop franchisees to work closely with the Wingstop franchise team.
What Is The Wingstop Franchise Fee?
As discussed above, Wingstop requires franchisees to invest considerably to open their own Wingstop location.
However, unlike other franchise opportunities, Wingstop does not require franchisees to pay a high franchise fee.
The initial Wingstop franchise fee is set at $20,000 per store, accompanied by a $10,000 development fee for franchisees.
To qualify, applicants are expected to possess multi-unit restaurant management experience and demonstrate financial stability. While the costs to open a Wingstop franchise may seem steep, the good news is that this fast food franchise offers comprehensive training for all Wingstop franchise owners.
How Much Does A Wingstop Franchise Owner Make A Year?
The average revenue for a Wingstop location in 2021, across 1,175 franchises and 28 company-owned stores, was $1,592,657, with the highest-earning outlet bringing in $4,693,395 and the lowest at $436,801.
Profitability varies significantly based on factors like the restaurant’s location, its size, and the effectiveness of management.
Successful franchise owners who manage their operations and keep costs in check tend to achieve higher earnings.
Franchise Empire’s Thoughts
Wingstop has seemingly executed brilliantly. They are a publicly traded company with a $10 BILLION market cap. They are one of the rare franchise systems that have a TON of corporate locations with 250+.
They are a huge corporate company with the backing of Rick Ross…I mean could it get any better?
Rick Ross owns over 25 locations himself and gives them all kinds of publicity by talking about them and rapping about them.
It’s constant marketing, and hey you gotta figure that’s helping drive foot traffic to the stores.
Like any food franchise, the real opportunity is NOT in owning just one location.
I wouldn’t recommend getting into food unless you are going to own at least 3 or more.
Given Wingstop has over 1,200 locations, securing a territory won’t be easy.