Wingstop Increases Chicago Presence with Four New Franchise Agreements

Thirteen restaurants scheduled to open in the Greater Chicago Area

DALLAS – Four franchise corporations have signed individual agreements with Wingstop to open 13 new restaurants and expand the chicken wing chain throughout the Chicago area.  

Franchisee Tom Schaffer owns a real estate management and brokerage firm in Chicago and decided to open five Wingstop restaurants based on the company’s reputation. 

“I chose Wingstop for the company’s philosophy and its recipe of simplicity combined with high-quality. The company is at the top of the industry and I was impressed with the operation at the restaurant,” said Schaffer. Schaffer’s first restaurant is scheduled to open in late 2007 south of Chicago in Evergreen Park.

Under the terms of his agreement, Andy Bhasin and his company, Wings N Wings, Inc., will open three restaurants in the Chicago area, with the first located in St. Charles. Bhasin chose the Wingstop brand for its simple product line.

“The Wingstop concept is original and simplifies our operation and execution so we can better serve our customers,” said Bhasin. “They set the industry standard when it comes to specializing in wings and chicken.”

Brothers Julius and Vince Soro have agreed to open two restaurants in suburban Chicago, the first in Evanston. Franchisee Michael Horstman and wife Sonja will open three restaurants in southwest suburban Chicago.

“Our presence in Chicago is on the rise and we are excited to expand our product throughout the city and its suburbs,” said Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise recruitment for Wingstop. “The individuals behind each of these franchise corporations are experienced in the restaurant business and energetic about bringing the Wingstop brand to Chicago.”

Wingstop is nearing 600 locations open or under development nationwide and systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $150 million in 2006. Nationwide Wingstop’s restaurants have experienced positive comp store sales for 16 consecutive quarters. This summer the company announced it sold its one billionth wing.

About Wingstop

Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings.  The chain now serves boneless wing strips that are made from 100 percent all-white meat chicken breast coated with a proprietary batter and breading.  Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are made-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, pearl potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces.

Franchise Information:

Wingstop franchise and franchise event information is available at wingstopfranchise.com or by contacting the franchise department at (972) 686-6500 or areadevelopment@wingstop.com.

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Press Release care/of  Bruce Evans, BizCom Associates, 972-686-6500, bruce@wingstop.com. Contact: Leah Templeton, 972.728.1449, leah@bizcompr.com.