The Wingstop Board of Directors today announced Charles Morrison has been named president and chief executive officer of the company. Morrison replaces James Flynn, who becomes executive chairman of the Board.

Morrison brings more than 20 years of restaurant experience to the position, and most recently served as president and CEO at Pizza Inn Holdings, where he also spearheaded the creation and development of a new fast-casual pizza concept, Pie Five Pizza Company. Prior to Pizza Inn, Morrison was president of Steak and Ale and The Tavern Restaurants for Metromedia Restaurant Group, as well as holding management positions at Kinko’s, Boston Market, and Pizza Hut.

As CEO, Morrison will be responsible for the overall strategy and development of the brand.

“Wingstop has quickly become a powerhouse brand and the preeminent wing chain in the United States,” Morrison says. “I’m excited about the opportunity to join this team and look forward to continuing to grow the concept domestically and internationally.”

Morrison replaces James Flynn, who will become executive chairman of the Board. Flynn joined Wingstop in 2003 when the chain had 88 locations in 15 states. Under the guidance of Flynn and his executive team, the chain has grown to 515 locations in 34 states and Mexico. The company has experienced eight consecutive years of same store sales increases.

“Charlie will be the perfect addition to the Wingstop team,” Flynn says. “He brings experience, drive, and talent to a concept that is one of the top fast-casual brands in the country. Our success can be traced back to the commitment of our franchise Brand Partners, dedicated corporate staff and the hard work of all our employees who are in the restaurants saucing and tossing wings every day. We continue to make history, and with Charlie and our executive team, I know we will reach our goal of 1,000 locations and beyond.”