WING-STOP
Wingstop is a quick-service restaurant franchise that operates under the WING-STOP® brand, specializing in cooked-to-order, hand-sauced chicken wings, boneless wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, seasoned fries, and beverages in various flavors. Franchisees follow a standardized business system with proprietary recipes, products, decor, and operating procedures, typically in 1,200-2,000 sq ft leased spaces in shopping centers emphasizing digital orders, takeout, and limited dine-in. The franchise targets customers of all ages and economic levels with no significant seasonal fluctuations.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 5.5% ad fund + up to $50/mo website fee + up to $50/mo intranet fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 1,759 franchised Wingstop Restaurants open for operation during the entire 2024 Measured Period
Extracted Item 19 Section
How WING-STOP Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WING-STOP Current | $298K - $1.0M | $25K | 6.0% | 2,154 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+31 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for WING-STOP franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily termination disputes, territorial exclusivity reduction, breach of development obligations, and outstanding payment claims against an international franchisee.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a WING-STOP franchise?
The total initial investment to open a WING-STOP franchise ranges from $298,200 to $1,013,500. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a WING-STOP franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a WING-STOP franchise is $2,128,349. The median revenue is $2,001,753.
How many WING-STOP franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, WING-STOP has 2,154 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1997.
Can you get an SBA loan for a WING-STOP franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for WING-STOP franchises. Historical data shows 213 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for WING-STOP franchisees, with an average loan amount of $420,941. The historical default rate is 0.5%.
Is WING-STOP a good franchise to buy?
WING-STOP shows several positive indicators: established brand with 2,154+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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