Rapidly-growing chicken chain Wingstop has said it plans to open at least 20 new sites in the UK this year, creating hundreds of jobs. The ambitious expansion plans come a month after Wingstop’s UK arm was taken over by a US private equity firm, for more than £400 million.
Wingstop UK said that at least 10 new locations will open in the first half of the year. As well as a previously announced Cheltenham outlet at The Brewery Quarter, it will open dine-in restaurants in Swansea, Newcastle, Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, Streatham in south London and Cardigan Fields in Leeds.
The brand will also open a further delivery kitchen in Brighton. Wingstop currently operates 57 sites across the UK, employing more than 2,500 people, following a rapid expansion programme.
The business opened 18 new locations last year, including its largest site, at Westfield Stratford in east London. Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK, said: “2024 has been a landmark year for Wingstop UK, marked by record site openings, a new flagship location and industry accolades.
“This year we are poised for even greater growth, with plans to expand into new regions and create hundreds of jobs. Thank you to the brilliant work of all our employees, who drive us to keep growing, whilst providing a personalised and authentic experience to wing-lovers up and down the country. There is huge momentum and we can’t wait to bring our flavours to more areas across the UK.”
The growth of the brand comes amid a boom for chicken chains in the UK, with Popeyes also rapidly opening new sites and new players such as Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A entering the market. Last month, US private equity firm Sixth Street struck a deal to buy a majority stake in Wingstop UK’s master franchisee, Lemon Pepper Holdings. It is understood the deal valued the business at more than £400 million.
Sixth Street, which is an investor in the 2,000-strong US-based Wingstop Inc business, said it plans to help the business grow further in the UK.
Wingstop UK will open to Cheltenham diners in Summer 2025, positioned between Søstrene Grene and F45. Chris Sherriff, CEO of Lemon Pepper Holdings, master franchisee, Wingstop UK previously said: “The Brewery Quarter stood out to us as an ideal location due to its dynamic mix of offerings and high foot traffic.
"We’re excited to bring our signature wings, bold flavours and exceptional service to Cheltenham, where we’re confident that locals and visitors alike will enjoy the Wingstop UK experience. We look forward to becoming part of this vibrant community and contributing to The Brewery Quarter’s success.”
Its food is all freshly prepared to order and hand-sauced-and-tossed in a selection of ten unique flavours from classic Lemon Pepper to the crowd-pleasing Hickory Smoked barbecue. Milkshakes, freestyle drinks or Camden Town Beer, along with a variety of churros for dessert, are also available.