History of Wingstop in Timeline
Wingstop Inc. is a global restaurant chain headquartered in the United States, specializing in chicken wings. Their restaurants feature a distinctive 1930s and 1940s aviation theme, evoking a nostalgic pre-jet era.
1994: Antonio Swad founds Wingstop
Antonio Swad founded Wingstop in Garland, Texas in 1994.
1994: Wingstop is founded
In 1994, Wingstop was founded in Garland, Texas.
1997: First franchised Wingstop opens
The first franchised Wingstop location opened in 1997.
1997: Wingstop begins franchising
Wingstop began offering franchises in 1997.
2002: Wingstop hits two million wings served
By 2002, Wingstop claimed to have served two million wings.
2003: Gemini Investors acquires Wingstop
In 2003, Gemini Investors acquired Wingstop.
2005: Wingstop starts serving lunch
In 2005, Wingstop began serving lunch.
2009: Wingstop adds boneless chicken
Wingstop began selling a boneless product in 2009.
2010: Roark Capital Group acquires Wingstop
Roark Capital Group acquired Wingstop in 2010.
2010: First international Wingstop opens
Wingstop opened its first international restaurant in Mexico in 2010.
2014: Wingstop's rapid growth begins
Between 2014 and 2016, Wingstop was the third-fastest-growing restaurant chain in the US.
2015: Wingstop goes public, profits double
In 2015, Wingstop went public at an initial public offering price of $19 per share. That year, their profits more than doubled.
2016: Wingstop's rapid growth continues
Between 2014 and 2016, Wingstop was the third-fastest-growing restaurant chain in the US.
2019: Wingstop launches new tagline and foundation
In 2019, Wingstop began using the tagline "Where Flavor Gets Its Wings." As of 2019, the Wingstop Team Member Foundation acted as an employee-funded nonprofit that gave money to other employees experiencing a financial hardship due to an emergency.
June 21, 2021: Wingstop launches ThighStop
On June 21, 2021, WingStop announced a digital-only restaurant called ThighStop, which sells chicken thighs instead of wings. The company cited cost-saving measures as the reason for the change.
2022: Wingstop surpasses 1,400 restaurants
By 2022, Wingstop had over 1,400 restaurants.
