Wingstop Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in chicken wings, offering a variety of flavors and sides for wing lovers.

Wingstop is a prominent franchise in the fast-food sector, celebrated for its unique offering of cooked-to-order, hand-sauced and tossed chicken wings, boneless wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, and fresh-cut, seasoned fries.

Since its inception in 1994 in Garland, Texas, Wingstop has quickly gained a reputation for delivering a distinctive flavor experience. By 1997, the franchise began expanding through franchise opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs to join its successful journey.

Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Wingstop remains deeply rooted in its home state. The brand stands out in the competitive fast-food market by focusing on quality and flavor.

Unlike many fast-food chains with extensive menus, Wingstop specializes in a few items, executed exceptionally well. This specialization has allowed Wingstop to establish a unique niche in the industry.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Development Fee $25,000
Franchise Fee $25,000
Rent Refer to note
Security Deposits $0 - $10,000
Architectural/Engineering Fees $7,300 - $30,000
Professional Fees $2,500 - $7,500
Leasehold Improvements $100,000 - $565,000
Business and Operating Permits $4,500 - $8,500
Décor Package $11,300 - $39,400
Furniture, Fixtures, Audio/Visual System, Equipment and Smallwares $50,400 - $167,000
Point-of-Sale, Back of the House and Back Office Software and Hardware and Related Items $28,000 - $40,000
Signs $4,200 - $25,100
Opening Inventory $10,000 - $16,000
Opening Publicity and Promotions $5,000 - $15,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $25,000 - $40,000
Total (excluding real estate purchase and lease costs) $298,200 - $1,013,500
Type of Expenditure Amount
Development Fee $25,000
Franchise Fee $25,000
Rent Refer to note
Security Deposits $0 - $10,000
Architectural/Engineering Fees $7,300 - $30,000
Professional Fees $2,500 - $7,500
Leasehold Improvements $100,000 - $565,000
Business and Operating Permits $4,500 - $8,500
Décor Package $11,300 - $39,400
Furniture, Fixtures, Audio/Visual System, Equipment and Smallwares $50,400 - $167,000
Point-of-Sale, Back of the House and Back Office Software and Hardware and Related Items $28,000 - $40,000
Signs $4,200 - $25,100
Opening Inventory $10,000 - $16,000
Opening Publicity and Promotions $5,000 - $15,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $25,000 - $40,000
Total (excluding real estate purchase and lease costs) $298,200 - $1,013,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

Wingstop provides an extensive training program for franchisees and their staff to ensure they are well-prepared to deliver the Wingstop experience.

Initial Training For the first restaurant, initial training is provided at no cost for all required attendees. For additional restaurants, management training is also tuition-free. The training program lasts for three weeks and includes both initial and refresher training components. Attendees are responsible for their travel, lodging, and incidental expenses.

Supplemental and Refresher Training Franchisees and their managers may be required to participate in supplemental or refresher training or recertification exams. If a manager fails a recertification exam, they must reattend and complete the next available three-week training program.

Training Schedule and Costs A detailed yearly training schedule is available for review. While tuition fees for certain attendees are waived, all other expenses related to attending the training are the responsibility of the franchisee.

Training Program Completion The franchise location's opening may be delayed until two qualified and fully trained candidates are available if initial training is not satisfactorily completed. Franchisees may schedule training earlier if required by financial institutions, provided they can show proof of training completion and passing.

Territory Protection

Wingstop does not offer exclusive territory protection in the traditional sense. While franchisees are granted some competitive protection within a defined "Trade Area" around their franchise location, this does not equate to an exclusive territory where no other Wingstop franchises can operate.

Franchisees receive a defined Trade Area around their location, providing a certain level of competitive protection. However, this protection does not prevent the franchisor from opening or granting franchises for Wingstop-brand competitors outside the boundaries of the franchisee's Trade Area.

Franchisees do not receive protection against competition from other distribution channels or competitive brands controlled by the franchisor, even if these are situated within their Trade Area. This means that other Wingstop-brand competitors may operate nearby, outside the specific Trade Area, without violating the franchise agreement.

Competitors

Below are some of

Wingstop

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
Upgrade

2154

New
+
28%
28%

$25,000

$298,000

$1,014,000

n.a.

$2,002,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Chuck's Hot Chicken

Chuck's Hot Chicken is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken. It offers a menu centered around spicy fried chicken, catering to customers seeking bold flavors.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$478,000 - $834,000

Angry Chickz

Angry Chickz is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and tenders, known for its bold flavors and spice levels.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$603,000 - $1,323,000

WOW American Eats

WOW American Eats is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering classic American comfort food, including burgers, wings, and hearty sides.

Franchisees

?

38
+
-19%
-19%
Investment

?

$192,000 - $795,000

HCK Hot Chicken

HCK Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering bold flavors and customizable heat levels for spice lovers.

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$206,000 - $688,000

East Coast Wings + Grill

East Coast Wings + Grill serves a variety of flavorful chicken wings, burgers, and other American fare, offering a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and taste.

Franchisees

?

30
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$408,000 - $1,233,000

Brown's Chicken

Brown's Chicken serves fried chicken and a variety of homestyle sides, offering a flavorful and satisfying dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients.

Franchisees

?

21
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$358,000 - $2,699,000