News

Wingstop touches down in Australia, New Zealand

August 23, 2017

Wingstop is expanding into Australia and New Zealand partnering with franchisee 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, according to a company press release.

"This is a very exciting project for our food and beverage team," said Stuart McAuliffe, managing director of John Bridgeman, which is also a master franchisee of American restaurant brand, Johnny Rockets. "The chicken category is under-served 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," he said in the release.

Openings in Australia and New Zealand will mark the 11th and 12th 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.

"Australia is a major consumer of chicken, and our uniquely flavored wings provide a differentiated offering in the market," Larry Kruguer, president of International at Wingstop, said in the release.