Wingstop announces promotion of Dave Vernon to chief development officer, responsible for overall growth of franchise network, including domestic, international and non-traditional expansion

Nevin Barich

RICHARDSON, Texas , November 18, 2012 (press release) – Wingstop today announced Dave Vernon has been promoted to Chief Development Officer where he will be responsible for the overall growth of the franchise network, including domestic, international and non-traditional expansion.

Vernon joined Wingstop in October 2010 as vice president of franchise sales and was promoted to vice president of development last year.

Under his leadership, Wingstop has signed franchise agreements to result in 288 new restaurant openings in the U.S. and 120 new openings in Mexico. Earlier this year, it was announced Wingstop would open its first airport location at D-FW International Airport’s Terminal B.

“Since joining Wingstop two years ago, Dave has been an integral part of the team that propelled Wingstop to reach 500 locations and beyond,” said Charlie Morrison, Wingstop president and CEO. “His dedication and leadership will be an asset to the executive team and spearhead the company’s growth as we continue on the path to double our system and reach 1,000 restaurants domestically and internationally.”

Wingstop, which has 536 locations open, will celebrate nine consecutive years of same store sales increases and reach $452 million in systemwide sales by year’s end.

“Wingstop is quickly becoming a national brand, thanks to an outstanding product, driven sales and real estate team, and passionate franchise system of Brand Partners,” said Vernon. “I’m honored to lead the company’s development efforts and look forward to focusing on international and non-traditional expansion across the U.S. and overseas.”

With more than 20 years of restaurant franchise experience, Vernon previously spent 13 years as vice president of sales at Sonic Corporation. Prior to that, he held development positions for Brinker International, Pizza Inn, Inc., USA Cafes and Signature Foods.

Vernon is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Journalism.

For Wingstop franchise information, please visit wingstopfranchise.com.

About Wingstop

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has more than 530 restaurants open across the United States and Mexico. With a sole focus on chicken wings, the Wingstop menu features 10 wing flavors including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Hickory Smoked BBQ and Louisiana Rub. Wings are made fresh, cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including Wingstop’s award winning fresh-cut seasoned fries. Wingstop has experienced eight consecutive years of positive sales increases, was named a Top 10 Best Franchise Deal by QSR magazine, and has been voted ‘best wings’ in markets across the country. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain’s national spokesman since 2003 and recently joined the Wingstop Board of Directors. Wingstop was acquired in 2010 by affiliates of Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in business and consumer service companies with attractive growth prospects and revenues ranging from $20 million to $1.0 billion. For more information visit wingstop.com, wingstopfranchise.com or facebook.com/Wingstop.

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