Wingstop UK posts record results following £400m buyout

Wingstop UK has revealed record growth, posting a revenue of £125m in the nine months to 29 December 2024 against £84.7m in the 12 months ended 31 March 2024.

The UK franchise of the US fried chicken brand changed its year-end to December following a £400m-plus sale from Lemon Pepper Holdings to US investment firm Sixth Street.

In its latest nine-month accounting period, operating profit also increased to £13.7m, compared to the £4.1m full-year result for the 12 months to March 2024, which was a turnaround from a £2m loss in the previous 12 months.

Growth was reflected in 15 new stores opening in the period, taking the estate to 57 sites. Existing venues also posted strong underlying sales.

Sixth Street’s majority shareholding aims to achieve Wingstop UK’s ambitions to reach 200 stores within the next five years.

After the accounting period, the group opened a further 15 UK sites and now employs more than 3,000 people. Current trading is in line with expectations, with revenue expected to exceed £150m at the end of the year.

Chief financial officer Paddy Bamford called 2024 a “transformational year” for Wingstop UK as it delivered “record results across every metric and further strengthening profitability”.

“Since partnering with Sixth Street in January 2025, we’ve accelerated our UK roll-out programme and deepened our investment in people. We’re focused on building the UK’s leading fast-casual restaurant brand, powered by the hard work and dedication of our people — the heartbeat of our business,” he said.

“With trading in line with expectations, new store openings across the country and 2025 shaping up to be another landmark year, we’re excited by the scale of expansion opportunities ahead while staying true to our focus on youth culture, our communities and sustainable growth.”

Wingstop was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1994 and operates and franchises more than 1,500 locations worldwide.