History of Wingstop in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2024

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.

2015: Wingstop goes public

Wingstop went public in 2015.

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.