Hundreds of UK jobs up for grabs as Wingstop reveals locations of new sites
The expansion plans come a month after Wingstop's UK arm was taken over by a US private equity firm, for more than £400m
The expansion plans come a month after Wingstop's UK arm was taken over by a US private equity firm, for more than £400mWingstop opened 18 new sites in 2024
The fast-expanding chicken chain Wingstop has unveiled plans to launch at least 20 new eateries across the UK throughout this year, a move that's set to hatch hundreds of job opportunities.
The news comes after a takeover by a US private equity firm, which forked out over £400 million for Wingstop's UK operations last month. The company has said it will open at least 10 fresh sites within the first half of the year. New dine-in restaurants will open in Swansea, Newcastle, Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, Streatham in South London, and Cardigan Fields in Leeds.
Wingstop also has its sights set on a new delivery kitchen launching in Brighton. It currently has a portfolio of 57 locations across the UK and employs over 2,500 people, following a rapid expansion programme.. Last year saw the chain launched 18 new locations, with its largest ever at Westfield Stratford in East London.
Wingstop UK, chief executive Chris Sherriff, said: "2024 has been a landmark year for Wingstop UK, marked by record site openings, a new flagship location and industry accolades.
"This year we are poised for even greater growth, with plans to expand into new regions and create hundreds of jobs. Thank you to the brilliant work of all our employees, who drive us to keep growing, whilst providing a personalised and authentic experience to wing-lovers up and down the country. There is huge momentum and we can’t wait to bring our flavours to more areas across the UK."
The expansion of the brand coincides with a surge in popularity for chicken chains in the UK, with Popeyes also swiftly launching new locations and newcomers like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A breaking into the market. US private equity firm Sixth Street clinched a deal to acquire a majority share in Wingstop UK’s master franchisee, Lemon Pepper Holdings.
The transaction is believed to have valued the company at over £400m. Sixth Street, an investor in the 2,000-strong US-based Wingstop Inc, has expressed its intention to aid the business's further growth in the UK.