Wingstop Is Coming To Southern Minnesota
The Wingstop legacy began in 1994 when Antonio Swad and Bernadette Fiaschetti opened a small chicken wing shop in Garland, Texas. The concept was an immediate hit, and by 1997, the duo began offering franchise opportunities.
Today, Wingstop is one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the world, boasting nearly 3,000 locations. Of its 26 current Minnesota sites, almost all are located in the Twin Cities area, with the lone exception being the Waite Park location near St. Cloud.
Why Do People Love Wingstop?
The secret to the Wingstop's success is a commitment to quality and custom flavors. Unlike some competitors, their wings are fresh (never frozen) and strictly cooked to order. Even the sides get the premium treatment; their fries are hand-cut in-store daily.
"Cooked-to-order, craveable chicken is at our core," Larry Bellah, Wingstop’s Director of Culinary, told QSR Magazine. "Our bold, distinctive flavors are what set us apart."
Wingstop Plans Mankato Location; Is Rochester Next?
According to the Mankato Free Press, plans for a new Wingstop at 1861 Adams Street in Mankato are officially moving forward.
The restaurant will move into the former Tip Top Tux rental space within the Adams Street Shops. Located just west of Best Buy and directly across from the River Hills Mall, the storefront will be nestled between Sleep Number and All Star Nutrition near the Sioux Road intersection. The official opening date has not yet been announced.
Demand for Wingstop in Rochester remains very high, but there are currently no public plans for a Med-City location. However, during a recent earnings call, the company announced aggressive expansion goals. The chain wants to expand to 10,000 stores, according to Franchise Times.
Rochester remains the largest Minnesota market without a Wingstop, making it a likely target for the chain.
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Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken
