The American Business Awards were bestowed on winners Monday, June 11, during a gala at New York’s Marriott Marquis Hotel. Wingstop was named the Most Innovative Company in the 2500 employees and up category.

Hailed as “the business world’s version of the Oscars” (New York Post, April 27, 2005), The American Business Awards are the only national, all- encompassing awards program honoring great performances in business. More than 2,000 nominations were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories.

The Most Innovative Company award recognizes companies for their product, marketing, sales, management, and other areas of innovation. Wingstop has been a leading innovator for the fast casual restaurant industry. The company brought the chicken wing — considered by many to be a throw-away item — to the center of the plate. In 2006, the company continued to set industry standard with the introduction of new products and programs that appeal to a wider audience while increasing average ticket sales.

“We are very honored to receive this fantastic award,” said Jim Flynn, Wingstop CEO. “We always strive to stay on the leading edge in our industry for both our customers and brand partners to which we owe both many thanks, as well as our employees who make it happen every day.”

Wingstop’s winning formula has also garnered other awards, including “Festival Favorite Restaurant” at the 2005 National Buffalo Wing Festival, “Wing King” at the 2006 National Buffalo Wing Festival and the top ranked Chicken Wing Chain by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2004 and 2005.

Fueled by 15 quarters of comp store sales increases, the company has 550 restaurants open or under development in 27 states. With the popularity of wings always increasing, Wingstop has little trouble attracting franchisees — many of them existing customers who are so impressed with the consistent quality of the food, they want to bring the concept to customers closer to home.