Thursday, April 9, 2009

Dallas-based Wingstop expanding to Mexico

By Pegasus News wire

Dallas-based Wingstop announced its first international franchise agreement for 10 restaurants in the State of Mexico and Mexico DF over the next two years.

Under the franchise agreement, WIS de Mexico S.A. de C.V. will open three restaurants in the first year and seven locations the following year. Franchise partners include successful Mexican entrepreneurs Jose Luis Serrato Villegas, Luis Antonio Ortiz Dominguez and Jose Francisco Cantu Quintero.

"This is a major milestone in Wingstop history," said Jim Flynn, CEO of Wingstop. "Our first international franchise is a huge step for our brand and we could not have chosen a more dedicated and talented group of Brand Partners in Jose Luis, Luis Antonio and Jose Francisco. Their restaurant operating experience in Mexico will serve them well in moving forward with Wingstop."

Wingstop, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, has 650 restaurants open or under development in the United States. Several of the company's highest average-unit-volume stores are located in predominately Hispanic markets and Wingstop is confident the brand will be an immediate hit in this new territory.

"We are thrilled to be the newest members of the Wingstop team," said Jose Luis Serrato Villegas. "This is a very exciting new business venture for us and we are proud to introduce Wingstop's chicken wings to our home country."

Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise development for Wingstop, said the initial outreach into Mexico was due in large part thanks to a strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Expanding internationally creates a new level of growth for Wingstop," said Evans. "We worked closely with Elizabeth Graham at U.S. Commercial Service, an organization within the Department of Commerce. And as a result of that partnership we are experiencing a landmark in Wingstop history with our first international expansion."

Source: Wingstop

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• Hospitality Industry > Restaurants and Bars
• Food and Drink > Dining / Restaurants

Comments

Scott Anonymous

Great news! Now I'll have someplace to go next time I'm in Mexico and would rather forego the native offerings of one of the world's richest food cultures and get a dozen syrupy, soggy, heat-lamped, factory-farmed chicken wings!

7 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Jesus Valadez Verified

Once I visit WingStop next time I go and visit, I'll make sure to stop by WalMart and Starbucks.

7 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )