Wingstop Restaurants Inc., the award-winning wing concept with more than 1,000 locations worldwide, announced that it is extending its global reach by expanding into Australia and New Zealand. The company entered into a franchise agreement with a newly created entity under John Bridgeman Limited. Over the next 10 years, 110 restaurants will open across Australia and New Zealand with the first Wingstop set to open in Brisbane during the first half of 2018.
Leading the efforts on behalf of John Bridgeman Limited is managing director Stuart McAuliffe who specializes in identifying investment opportunities and providing extensive financial and management support. John Bridgeman Limited is also a master franchisee of American restaurant brand, Johnny Rockets.
“This is a very exciting project for our food and beverage team,” says Stuart McAuliffe managing director of John Bridgeman. “The chicken category is underserved in Australia, and our research indicates that Wingstop’s proven success can be replicated in Australia and New Zealand. We have invested in due diligence and planning over the last year to maximize this opportunity. The team brings food and beverage management combined with real estate skills and financial management, which places us in a strong position to rapidly expand the Wingstop brand.”
“Our expansion into Australia and New Zealand is an exciting step as we grow our brand internationally and continue on our mission to serve the world flavor,” says Larry Kruguer, president of international at Wingstop. “Stuart and his team have been very successful and have begun focusing attention in the local food and beverage sector by introducing great American fast casual brands like ours. Australia is a major consumer of chicken, and our uniquely flavored wings provide a differentiated offering in the market.”
Openings in Australia and New Zealand will mark the eleventh and twelfth international markets outside of the United States; and the sixth and seventh new markets announced over the past 12 months. The Company recently opened the first Wingstop locations in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
