Wingstop Opens its 50th Store in Los Angeles Market

Wingstop, the fast-growing chicken wing concept that has sold over 1.9 billion wings, has opened its 50th Restaurant in the Los Angeles area, one of the most successful markets for the chain. The restaurant, located at 6792 Cherry Avenue in Long Beach, opened its doors last week.

Wingstop opened its first Los Angeles location in 2004 and has grown to more than 90 locations across California said Wingstop CEO Jim Flynn.

"Wingstop has experienced great success in the LA-area because we remain focused on two things, efficient carryout service and serving quality chicken wings as our core menu item," added Flynn. "Guests used to drive for miles to get our wings, now, because of the strong concentration of stores, we are just down the road."

The Cherry Avenue location is the 15th store for franchisee Far West Restaurant Group, which opened its first location in 2005. Far West is led by President Danny Sonenshine, Vice President of Operations Jorge Ortiz, Regional Manager Amador Avila and District Manager John Chappell.

"The Wingstop brand has taken hold and grown in Southern California," said Sonenshine. “I attribute that success to the hard work and effort of our diverse group of Franchise brand partners and because we offer a great product."

Dallas-based Wingstop was founded in 1994 and began Franchising in 1997. Wingstop recently experienced a record 26 consecutive quarters of positive comp stores sales and systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $306.7 million in 2009.

About Wingstop
Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces. Wingstop recently received an American Business Award for Best Overall Company and was chosen Wing King at the 2006 National Buffalo Wing Festival. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain’s national spokesman since 2003.