Wingstop Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs(2025)
Wingstop, a notable name in the restaurant industry, specializes in offering a flavorful experience with its signature chicken wings, boneless wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, and seasoned fries.
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Addison, Texas, Wingstop embarked on its franchising journey in 1997, quickly establishing itself as a key player in the fast-food sector.
The brand distinguishes itself through its cooked-to-order, hand-sauced, and tossed chicken wings that come in a variety of proprietary sauces and seasonings, offering a unique taste that sets it apart from competitors.
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Wingstop Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $259,000 – $912,000 to start a Wingstop franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Development Fee | $10,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Rent | Refer to note below |
| Security Deposits | $0 – $10,000 |
| Architectural/Engineering Fees | $7,300 – $30,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 – $510,000 |
| Business and Operating Permits | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Décor Package | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Audio/Visual System | $50,400 – $153,800 |
| Point-of-Sale, Back Office, Software | $11,100 – $23,900 |
| Signs | $3,600 – $32,400 |
| Opening Inventory | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Opening Publicity and Promotions | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| TOTALS (excluding real estate costs) | $259,400 – $912,100 |
Wingstop Franchise Average Revenue (AUV)
A Wingstop franchised restaurant makes on average $1,669,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,662,000 yearly revenue for similar restaurant chicken franchises. Below are 10 Wingstop competitors as a comparison:
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Wingstop Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Wingstop locations are there?
As of the latest data, Wingstop operates 2,040 locations in the United States, out of which 1,988 are franchised and 52 are company-owned. Additionally, the brand has expanded internationally with 312 franchised locations in other countries and U.S. territories.
What is the total investment required to open a Wingstop franchise?
The total investment required to open a Wingstop franchise ranges from $259,000 to $912,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Wingstop franchise?
Wingstop franchise owners are responsible for ongoing fees that include a 6% royalty fee on their gross sales, which goes toward supporting the brand’s operations and growth. Additionally, there is a 4% marketing fee that covers national advertising and promotional efforts aimed at maintaining Wingstop’s market presence and driving customer traffic.
These fees are standard across the franchise system, ensuring that all franchisees contribute to the brand’s overall success while benefiting from centralized marketing and operational support.
What are the financial requirements to become a Wingstop franchisee?
To become a Wingstop franchisee, the financial requirements include having a minimum net worth of $1.2 million and $600,000 in liquid capital.
These requirements ensure that potential franchisees have the financial stability and resources necessary to manage the costs of opening and operating multiple Wingstop locations, as the franchise typically expects franchisees to commit to opening at least three stores.
How much can a Wingstop franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Wingstop franchise are approximately $1.67 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.67 million yearly revenue can result in $250,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Wingstop?
Wingstop Inc. is a publicly traded company, listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol WING. The company was founded in 1994 by Antonio Swad and Bernadette Fiaschetti, but it is currently owned by a range of institutional and individual investors, with no single entity holding complete ownership.
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