Wingstop helps sponsor platoon party in Iraq

DALLAS –Lisa Spooner-Whyte, Wingstop field marketing manager, reported today that the company has shipped enough of Wingstop’s Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce to cover several platoon parties aimed at raising the troops’ spirits in Iraq. “Not too long ago we received this interesting email that came into our Web-comments email box from a U.S. army email address,” said Spooner-Whyte. “We were quick to verify and respond because there’s nothing we would love more than an opportunity to support our troops.”

The request had come from Second Lieutenant William Lincoln Henjum, a platoon leader in Iraq.

“Due to deployments getting longer and soldiers being forced to give much more time away from their families, morale has drastically dropped.” Henjum had written. “A BBQ with a little taste of home would raise soldiers’ spirits.”

Spooner-Whyte discovered that they were putting on a company BBQ every three months and quickly collaborated with colleagues to fulfill Henjum’s request. Renfro Foods, the manufacturer of Wingstop’s proprietary Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce, shipped Henjum enough to serve at several gatherings.

“We are so very thankful for all that our troops are doing and the sacrifices that each man and woman in Iraq is making in service to our country,” said Spooner-Whyte. “We’re honored by this request.”


About Wingstop:
Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. The chain also serves boneless wing strips that are made from 100 percent all-white meat chicken breast coated with a proprietary batter and breading. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are always made-to-order and served steaming hot. Customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, pearl potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces.

Wingstop has more than 600 restaurants either open or under development in 28 states and consistently tops industry growth rankings. Wingstop was recognized as the Most Innovative Company in 2007 by the American Business Awards, crowned Wing King at the 2006 National Buffalo Wing Festival, Favorite Restaurant at the 2005 festival and their Cajun sauce took first place honors for the Best Creative Spicy Sauce in the festival’s blind taste test. In July 2005, Wingstop ranked No. 13 in Restaurant Business’ Top 50 Growth Chains (ranked by percentage increase in units) and was ranked the No. 1 chicken wing chain by Entrepreneur magazine in 2005. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain’s national spokesman since 2003. Aikman extended his contract in 2006 for three years, as Wingstop has posted 17 consecutive quarters of comp store sales increases since the partnership.

For Franchise Information:
For Wingstop franchise and franchise event information, call (972) 686-6500, visit www.wingstop.com or e-mail areadevelopment@wingstop.com.

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