Antonio Swad, founder of Wingstop Restaurants, Inc., announced today that a franchise development agreement was signed on October 12 with Dick Dempsey, of Henderson, Kentucky, to open seven locations in St. Louis, Missouri. The stores will be the first Wingstop Restaurants to open in Missouri and the contract is the largest multi-store agreement to be signed, as of yet.
The first store is expected to open in approximately 12 weeks, followed immediately by the next two locations. The remaining four stores are slated to open by the middle of 2002. Wingstop Restaurant’s real estate firm, Quine & Associates, has begun searching for locations. The restaurants usually perform best in in-line shopping centers and only a small square footage is needed.
“We look for locations that experience heavy evening traffic because Wingstop’s store hours, during the week, are 4pm to 12 midnight,” says Marsha Schneider, representative of Quine & Associates. “Popular sites are strip centers that contain a video store or a 24-hour supermarket.”
In just over two years, Wingstop has opened 20 stores and has 27 additional stores under development in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Missouri. “This contract represents an important accomplishment for the growth and development of our business,” said Swad. “We will now be represented in the Central United States and plan to expand even further throughout the state of Missouri.”
Wingstop is a Dallas, Texas based franchise operation founded by restaurant veteran, Antonio Swad. The restaurant offers a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. They feature eight unique wing flavors: Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian Barbeque, and Garlic Parmesan. The wings are always made-to-order and served steaming hot. Customers can also choose from a variety of beers, soft drinks, and homemade side dishes: bourbon-baked beans, fresh-cut seasoned fries, pearl potato salad, vegetable sticks, rolls, and assorted dipping sauces.
