Hotworx Expands to Alaska with Wasilla Studio
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
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Discover how Wingstop soared past competitors to become the nation’s fastest-growing restaurant chain, outpacing industry leaders and expanding its national footprint with impressive resilience and strategic moves.

Wingstop’s meteoric expansion - In the past year, Wingstop surged ahead as the fastest-growing domestic restaurant chain, adding an astonishing 382 new U.S. locations and eclipsing the likes of Chipotle, Dunkin’, and 7 Brew in net openings. The company’s domestic total sits at 2,586 units, with a heavily franchise-driven model - more than 98% franchised - fueling sustainable growth across 47 states. Historic growth in perspective - To appreciate the magnitude, Wingstop scaled from 2,000 to 3,000 restaurants in just over two years and entered 2026 with 3,153 global venues - an increase of 464 units year-over-year. This growth wasn’t just about quantity; with nearly 800 new stores launched in 24 months, the brand also increased its national footprint and solidified its spot as a leading franchise opportunity, bucking the trend as competitors like Starbucks retracted U.S. sites.
Resilience against adversity - Wingstop’s past year included economic and weather-related challenges - from dipping consumer confidence to the temporary closure of over 700 stores - yet its franchisees pressed forward, opening hundreds of new units and closing only four. That resilience extends to the numbers, where franchisees enjoy systemwide sales topping $5.3 billion and consistently strong average unit volumes (AUVs) - domestic AUVs have doubled over the last decade, hitting $2 million in 2025 and enabling most operators to recoup initial investments in under two years. Market strength by region - The biggest gains appeared in California and Texas, now the two largest domestic markets, with further 2026 expansion led by Florida and New York. With 378 new franchise agreements already in the pipeline for 2026, Wingstop shows no signs of slowing - positioning itself to leap from the
Strategic growth engine - Wingstop’s franchise-focused model shined in recent years thanks to disciplined unit openings, minimal closures, and a proactive approach to reacquiring and reselling locations when needed. Out of 868 new stores opened between 2023 - 2025, only five shuttered - a testament to robust site selection, operational standards, and franchisee support. Operational innovation - The brand isn’t just multiplying its stores; it’s overhauling operations with digital-first kitchen systems and an expanded loyalty program, aiming for deeper customer engagement and efficiency. With most new stores slotted into leased retail footprints of 1,200 - 2,000 square feet, Wingstop maximizes real estate flexibility while targeting rapid market penetration.
Strong unit economics - In 2025, average annual net sales for Wingstop stores (franchised and corporate) exceeded $2 million, with a median figure of $1.9 million. Almost half of franchisees outperformed these benchmarks, while 62% of corporate units surpassed $2.02 million in sales. Thanks to a competitive upfront investment of around $580,000, the majority of operators see full payback in less than two years. Navigating short-term turbulence - Despite a brief downturn - same-store sales dipped for the first time in 22 years, impacted heavily by broader economic trends - Wingstop remains well above pre-pandemic performance, up 13.4% over three years. Management anticipates a return to low single-digit sales growth as market factors stabilize in 2026, driven by innovative programs and a razor-sharp focus on franchisee profitability.
Big goals on the horizon - With a long-term vision targeting 10,000 global units and $3 million AUVs, Wingstop is leveraging technology, new market entries, and creative marketing to keep its momentum strong. Initiatives such as its proprietary Smart Kitchen and an upgraded rewards program are set to drive repeat business and boost same-store sales in the months ahead. Lessons for restaurant operators - Wingstop’s blueprint - rigorous franchising, data-driven site selection, nimble operations, and an embrace of digital - stands out as a model for chains seeking growth and stability in today’s unpredictable climate.
Takeaway for leaders - As Wingstop’s story demonstrates, capitalizing on franchise partnerships, investing in operational improvements, and maintaining relentless focus on customer value are key to thriving in today’s market. For restaurant owners and managers watching these trends, now is the time to explore bold moves - both in physical expansion and digital transformation - to advance your brand’s footprint and profitability. Ready to scale up? Take inspiration from Wingstop and equip your business with the technologies and strategies needed to navigate rapid growth and operational complexity.