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Wingstop’s U.S. same-store sales rose 21.2% in Dec. 30-ended Q4Wingstop’s U.S. same-store sales rose 21.2% in Dec. 30-ended Q4

For fiscal year 2023, the fast-casual brand saw transactions drive 18.3% domestic SSS growth

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 21, 2024

1 Min Read
Wingstop Q4 2023 Earnings
Wingstop Inc. reported a 21.2% domestic same-store sales increase for the Dec. 30-ended fourth quarter in its U.S. system.Wingstop Inc.

Wingstop Inc., with 1,926 U.S. restaurants at the end of the Dec. 30-ended fourth quarter 2023, saw its domestic same-store sales rise 21.2% in the period, the company reported Wednesday.

The Dallas-based fast-casual brand, which reported fourth-quarter earnings, said domestic same-store sales for the entire year rose 18.3%, driven mostly by an increase in transactions, and it increased its unit count 13%.

The year “marked the strongest year on record for Wingstop,” said Michael Skipworth, Wingstop’s CEO and president, in a statement. Fourth-quartter same-store sales percentages were calculated excluding the 53rd week in 2022, the company noted.

“The strength of our unit economics were showcased with 255 net new units in 2023, a 13% unit growth rate, and a record level of restaurant development commitments as we enter 2024,” Skipworth said.

Domestic restaurant average unit volumes increased to $1.8 million, the company said. Wingstop plans to debut its own in-house technology platform in the second quarter.

In fiscal guidance, Wingstop said it expects in 2024 to post mid-single digit domestic same-store sales growth and about 270 net new global units.

In the fourth quarter, Wingstop had 115 net new openings

As of Dec. 30, the company had 2,214 Wingstop restaurants systemwide. That included 1,926 restaurants in the United States, of which 1,877 were franchised restaurants and 49 were company-owned, and 288 franchised restaurants were in international markets and U.S. territories.

Related:Wingstop set to launch new technology platform in Q2 next year

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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