Operations

Wingstop launching 'restaurant of the future'

Provided

February 3, 2022

Wingstop has opened a restaurant doubling as an innovation lab to test equipment and layouts. Located on Lovers Lane in Dallas — near the chain's Global Support Center in Addison — it serves the chain's standard menu in delivery and carryout-only format.

The restaurant and kitchen configuration allows for rapid testing of equipment and layouts, serving as an innovation lab.

"A glimpse into our Lovers Lane location is a glimpse into the future of Wingstop — focused on 100% digital transactions, seamless back of house operations, ongoing flavor innovation, and a business model centered around our fans, who love to dine off-premise with friends, while gaming, or just about anywhere you can think of," Marisa Carona, chief growth officer, said in a company press release. "We're excited to continue optimizing the size and layout of our restaurants as we drive toward our vision of becoming a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand."

With delivery and carryout accounting for nearly 100% of Wingstop's total orders, the restaurant design is focused on the digital experience of the carryout guest and delivery driver. This includes a lobby area without dining tables and an optimized back and front of house flow to create efficiencies for team members as they prepare orders.

Additional enhancements to the prototype include:

• Digital-focused ordering to help deliver on Wingstop's goal of digitizing 100% of transactions, complete with QR codes in-restaurant for easy ordering.
• Totally cashless environment
• A focus on sustainability including Energy Star equipment and grease extraction
• Visitors to the prototype location will also see team members dressed in Wingstop's sustainable uniform line manufactured from recycled water bottles.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, Wingstop has 1,650 locations worldwide.