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Americans can’t seem to get enough Wingstop.
The Texas-based chicken chain opened more new restaurants in 2025 than any other U.S. chain, adding 382 stores, surpassing big brands like Chipotle, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, according to a new ranking from QSR Magazine.
Wingstop’s No. 1 ranking comes as the chicken chain continues to expand rapidly. According to QSR Magazine, Wingstop had 785 stores when it went public in 2015.
By the end of fiscal 2025, the company operated 3,056 restaurants worldwide.
What is the fastest growing restaurant chain in the United States?
Wingstop topped QSR Magazine’s list of America’s fastest-growing restaurant chains based on the number of new locations opening in 2025.
The chicken wing chain closed ahead of Chipotle, 7 Brews, Jersey Mike’s and Dunkin’, confirming the brand’s continued momentum as it expands across the United States.
According to QSR Magazine, the top five fastest growing restaurant chains in 2025 are:
- Wingstop — 382 new locations
- Chipotle — 294
- 7 Brewing — 281
- Jersey Mike’s — 238
- Dunkin — 231
How big is Wingstop now?
Founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas by Antonio Swad and Bernadette Fiaschetti, Wingstop has evolved from a regional wing chain to one of the restaurant industry’s biggest growth stories.
Its growth has accelerated in recent years.
- 2023: 205 new locations
- 2024: 278 new locations
- 2025: 382 new locations
This increase is significant because Wingstop ranked No. 4 on QSR Magazine’s 2024 list with 278 jobs. That year, Starbucks opened 589 stores and led the rankings.
Wingstop currently sits at the top of the list, suggesting Americans’ appetite for chicken wings remains strong.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
