Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. Signs NFL Lineman Raheem Brock

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wingstop scores again. The chicken wing chain that has sold more than one billion wings has signed a franchise agreement with NFL Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Raheem Brock to develop three restaurants in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

This is Wingstop's third agreement with an NFL player or former player. Two former Pro Bowlers, Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest and former NFL lineman Ron Stone, signed on last year to open restaurants in California. In addition, NFL Hall-of-Famer and Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman is the company's national spokesperson.

"I'm excited to bring Wingstop to my hometown and share it with the people here," said Brock. "I love the food and the simple concept of focusing on great wings and sides. The ease of operations makes it an attractive business."

A four-year letterman at Temple University, Brock was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and signed as a free agent with the Colts in 2002. He has appeared in 53 consecutive games and ranks as the only defensive player to start every game over the last three seasons.

"Wingstop and NFL players make great partners," said Bruce Evans, vice president of franchise development for Wingstop. "Our wings have been favorites of football fans for years, and now players are getting behind the product. There's a strong sports population in Philadelphia and Raheem is just the guy to bring Wingstop to the city."

"I've been involved with Wingstop for five years, and it's exciting to see so many talented active and retired players getting involved too," said Aikman. "Football and wings are a natural fit, whether it's fans at a watching party or an NFL player looking for a great business opportunity."

Dallas-based Wingstop was founded in 1994 and began franchising in 1997. Today Wingstop has almost 600 locations open or under development nationwide and systemwide sales have grown from $11.9 million in 2000 to $200 million in 2007.

Wingstop has experienced positive comp store sales for 19 consecutive quarters and moved from 336 to 125 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 ranking of all leading franchise brands worldwide. The company recently placed 76 on the 2007 Fast Casual top 100 Movers & Shakers list.

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.

Franchise Information:

Wingstop franchise and franchise event information is available at wingstopfranchise.com or by contacting the franchise department at (972) 686-6500 or areadevelopment@wingstop.com.