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Wingstop UK has reported a sharp rise in revenues for last year as it continues to push forward with its ambitious expansion strategy.

The chain plans to open up to 30 new sites this year across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Lemon Pepper Holdings, serving as master franchisee for Wingstop in the UK and Ireland, originally introduced the US chicken brand to Britain in 2018.

Backed by private equity firm Sixth Street, the group has scaled rapidly in recent years and will open its 100th UK restaurant in Inverness later this month.

The news comes on the back of significant growth in chicken across the restaurant and fast-food sectors.

Rivals such as Dominos have launched their own chicken concepts in recent months, while a raft of US-founded chicken brands, such as Wingstop, Popeyes and Raising Cane’s have opened sites across the UK.

In February, Pizza Express said it will expand into selling chicken wings and mac & cheese across the UK as part of a new concept aimed to help push the pizza chain’s growth.

On Monday, Wingstop, which employs roughly 3,000 people, also announced an agreement to expand into Poland as part of its international growth strategy.

A hiring sign is displayed in a Wingstop store window on June 25, 2025 in Austin, Texas.A hiring sign is displayed in a Wingstop store window on June 25, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Getty)

Chris Sherriff, chief executive of Wingstop UKI said: “Reaching our 100th site in the UK is an incredible milestone, but more importantly, it reflects our commitment to opening exceptional restaurants in the right locations, maintaining operational excellence at scale, and investing in the people and culture that underpin our business.

“Customers increasingly seek out brands that offer a memorable experience, differentiated products and genuine value.”

It came as the group revealed that new shop opening helped revenues surge by 73% to £216.4 million in 2025.

Wingstop stressed that it has also seen trading continue to be “encouraging” over the current financial year.

Mr Sherriff said: “To have achieved record results despite the well-reported headwinds facing the broader hospitality sector is a fantastic achievement – one made possible only by the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our fans.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank them both for their continued dedication and unwavering support.”