US fast food chain that’s ‘better than KFC’ to open 20 more branches this year

A US fast food chain that some diners have branded “better than KFC” will open more branches this year.

Wingstop, which currently has 57 sites across the UK, has revealed plans to open 20 more.

The expansion plans come a month after Wingstop’s UK arm was taken over by a US private equity firm, for more than £400million.

US private equity firm Sixth Street struck a deal to buy a majority stake in Wingstop UK’s master franchisee, with plans to grow the business further.

Wingstop UK said that at least 10 new locations will open in the first half of the year.

These will include dine-in restaurants in Swansea, Newcastle, Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, Streatham in south London and Cardigan Fields in Leeds.

The brand will also open a kitchen in Brighton that will be used for takeaway deliveries.

Wingstop is known for selling everything from fried chicken to burgers and loaded fries.

It has been branded “better than KFC” by some punters thanks to its range of flavours.

In a TripAdvisor review, one customer said: “Wingstop is so much better than most ordinary KFC, because it’s more than a meal, it’s a flavour experience.”

While another said it was the “best chicken place by far.”

The business opened 18 new locations last year, including its largest site, at Westfield Stratford in east London.

Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK, said: “2024 has been a landmark year for Wingstop UK, marked by record site openings, a new flagship location and industry accolades.

“This year we are poised for even greater growth, with plans to expand into new regions and create hundreds of jobs.”

He added: “Thank you to the brilliant work of all our employees, who drive us to keep growing, while providing a personalised and authentic experience to wing lovers up and down the country.

“There is huge momentum and we can’t wait to bring our flavours to more areas across the UK.”

It comes as a flurry of US brands are plotting expansions in the UK market.

Chick-fil-A said it would open a number of sites across Britain this year.

The famous fried chicken brand revealed exclusively to The Sun in September that it would launch in Northern Ireland, Leeds, Liverpool, and London.

Its first location in Belfast will open inside an Applegreen service station in Lisburn, County Antrim, this Thursday.

The chain briefly touched down with a temporary pop-up in Reading back in 2019.

US FAST-FOOD COMING TO THE UK

Chick-fil-A and Wing Stop are not the only US brands looking to carve out a spot in the UK market.

Last week, Carl’s Jr said it would open its first site in the UK in April.

The site, which will cater for 50 customers at a time, is being launched by the Boparan Restaurant Group.

Posting on Reddit, one branded the fast food giant “better than most, including McDonald’s and Burger King“.

Another said: “The Western Bacon Cheeseburger is undefeated.”

Family entertainment and dining centre Chuck E Cheese is also reportedly planning to launch six branches across England and Scotland.

Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its first UK location late last year.

The brand, famed for its jumbo chicken slider, launched on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue back in November.

Tex-Mex brand Velvet Taco will also make its UK debut next spring.

Popeyes entered the UK market in 2021 and has proved to be a hit with ravenous customers ever since.

US burger chain Wendy’s, which already has 31 sites in the UK, will also cut the ribbon on eight new locations this year.