TORONTO — Popular U.S.-based wing concept, Wingstop, has announced its expansion into Canada with plans to open 100 new locations across the country in the next 10 years, the first of which will be in Toronto.
The expansion comes through an agreement with JPK Capital, a company, led by CEO Joe Poulin, that specializes in providing the long-term capital, strategy and tech expertise consumer businesses need to scale and grow their operations.
“JPK Capital could not be happier to partner with Wingstop and lead the charge in bringing one of the most successful restaurant brands and the best wings in the world to Canada,” says Poulin. “As technology entrepreneurs and investors, we have been impressed with Wingstop’s investment in innovation and look forward to capitalizing on its proprietary tech stack to offer a best-in-class digital and in-restaurant experience to Canadians.”
Wingstop targeted Canada for its global expansion because of its proximity to the brand’s home market in the U.S.
“Wingstop in Canada marks another key step toward our stated goal of becoming a top-10 global brand and further validates the portability of our brand on a global level,” says Nicolas Boudet, president, International at Wingstop. “We currently see Wingstop addressing a need in the Canadian market with our unique brand positioning and product offering and believe this is a market where we can replicate the success we’ve experienced in the U.S. based on Canadians’ appreciation and craving for bold flavour and high-quality product.”
Wingstop’s expansion into Canada comes on the heels of an explosive 2020, where the brand experienced its 17th-consecutive year of positive same-store sales growth, rounding out the year with 153 net new units, 21.4 per cent domestic same-store sales growth and total digital sales north of 60 per cent. The 100-location agreement starts in Ontario, with the Toronto location anticipated to open in 2022 pending any unexpected or additional Canadian border regulations and closures stemming from COVID-19.
