Wingstop Expanding In Wisconsin

Sports and wing fans get ready. Just in time for football season, Wingstop, the national chicken wing chain that has sold over 1.5 billion wings, is moving into Madison, Wis. Entrepreneur Ken Gelinas has signed a development agreement with Wingstop to open three restaurants in Dane County.

Under terms of the agreement Gelinas will open his first location this fall in Madison, with the second Restaurant scheduled to open in 2010. Gelinas was familiar with the Texas-based Wingstop concept, and realized the need for chicken wings in the Madison market.

“There is really no fast casual restaurant with a sole focus on chicken wings here in Madison,” said Gelinas. “Madison is not only the capital of Wisconsin, but a huge sports market and home to the largest university in the state. This is an ideal city for Wingstop and residents will embrace the concept.”

Gelinas spent more than 14 years in the manufacturing industry, but has always had a passion for food and the restaurant business.

“Wingstop has a very focused menu that is simple from an operational standpoint,” he said. “I was drawn to Wingstop because the menu consists primarily of chicken wings, boneless chicken strips and side dishes. The product is made fresh, cooked-to-order, and with nine proprietary sauces that range from Lemon Pepper to Garlic Parmesan, there is something for everyone.”

Dallas-based Wingstop was founded in 1994 and began Franchising in 1997. Today Wingstop has almost 650 locations open or under development nationwide, including one restaurant in Kenosha, Wis.

At a time when many chains are struggling, Wingstop has experienced a record 23 quarters of positive comp stores sales and recently ranked number five on the Technomic, Inc. annual report of the Ten Fastest-Growing Chains with Sales Over $200 Million.

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, pearl 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.