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Franchise Veterans Sign 10-Unit Agreement with Wingstop

National Chain Nears 600 Stores Open or under Development with East Texas Expansion

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Three Texas entrepreneurs with almost 50 years of combined franchise experience have signed an agreement to open at least 10 new Wingstop restaurants throughout East Texas.

Under terms of the agreement, Bryan Seldon and David Weaver will join existing Wingstop franchisee Jeff Worthen to open two new restaurants this year and four additional locations in 2008.

Worthen and his wife, Machiea, have owned three Wingstop restaurants for the past five years. In addition to the East Texas restaurants, Worthen has also signed an agreement for a territory in Austin.

Seldon and his wife operated 11 Great American Cookie franchises for 20 years and were looking to diversify their holdings. They especially were interested in finding a concept outside the mall environment.

David and Jeannie Weaver have been Subway franchisees for nearly 20 years and operate 12 units in the Tyler area.

"David and I realized the unit volume that Jeff was achieving with his Tyler store and decided to join forces to open additional restaurants around East Texas," said Seldon. "We love the product, and there is room to grow nationally as well as within our existing operations. We chose the Wingstop brand because of its enthusiastic and experienced franchise management team."

"We've had a strong year of growth and this is evidence that the expansion of the concept will not be slowing down as we move into 2008," said Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise recruitment for Wingstop. "Jeff, David and Brian bring to the table a deep and diverse history of excellent operational skills and a passion for the brand."

Wingstop has more than 550 locations open or under development nationwide and systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $150 million in 2006. Wingstop's restaurants nationwide have experienced positive comp store sales for 16 consecutive quarters. Earlier this year, the company announced it sold its one billionth wing.

From 2001 and 2005, the chain moved up from 336 to 89 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 ranking of all leading franchise brands worldwide.

About Wingstop

Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. The chain now serves boneless wing strips that are made from 100 percent all-white meat chicken breast coated with a proprietary batter and breading. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are made-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, pearl potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces.

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