Wingstop drums up expansion plans with new UK acquisitions head

Wingstop has appointed a new head of acquisitions to drive an acceleration in the US chicken shop’s expansion plans. Adrian Saunders joins the firm from The Restaurant Group, where he helped expand the company’s Wagamama, Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito brands. Prior to The Restaurant Group, Saunders helped restructure the Byron burger business. At Wingstop he will be tasked with growing the chain’s footprint across the country. The fast-food concept is on track to open 18 new locations this year and has a secured pipeline for 2025. “The momentum that Wingstop has built across the UK is phenomenal,” said Saunders, “and I look forward to applying my experience in driving growth and securing prime locations to take the brand to the next level.” Wingstop UK chief executive Chris Sherriff said Saunders’ experience would be “invaluable” in the expansion plans. Since debuting in the UK in 2018, Wingstop has grown to 50 locations across the country through master franchisee Lemon Pepper Holdings. Recent openings include new shops in Ealing, Hounslow, Clapham, Watford, Croydon and Wood Green, as well as at the Lakeside, Westfield Stratford City and Merry Hill shopping centres. The Stratford outlet is its biggest site to date, extending to 5,000 sq ft and hosting more than 160 covers on the first floor. Brasier Freeth advises Wingstop in the UK and has had the mandate to help the chain expand since 2020. Photo © Wingstop