Win at Wingstop One Bottle One Winner

 

Ranch lovers, this is your moment! Wingstop’s iconic, fan-favorite ranch—made fresh in restaurants every single day—is finally breaking out of the cup and into history! For the first time ever, we’re bottling up the crave-worthy goodness, and one lucky fan will get their hands on the ultimate prize: the very first official bottle of Wingstop Ranch. And we’re not stopping there—this exclusive bottle comes with a YEAR’S SUPPLY of refills!

To commemorate National Ranch Day, Wingstop is auctioning off this one-of-a-kind collector’s item, complete with a certificate of authenticity signed by our very own Head of Culinary, Chef Larry Bellah. This isn’t just ranch—it’s a piece of Wingstop history, and it could be yours! According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® this promotion will be a branding bonanza.  

Why Act Now?

1.       One Bottle. One Winner. This is the ONLY official bottle of Wingstop Ranch in existence. Don’t miss your chance to own a legend!

2.       Unlimited Refills for a Year! Yes, you read that right—keep the Wingstop flavor flowing all year long.

3.       A Flavorful Way to Give Back. All proceeds from this auction benefit Wingstop Charities, helping local communities thrive.

4.       Free Ranch for Everyone! Even if you don’t win, you can still celebrate National Ranch Day! Use code “FREERANCH” at checkout on March 10 through Wingstop.com or the Wingstop app to score a free regular-sized ranch.

Bidding kicks off on Monday, March 10, so get ready to stake your claim on ranch royalty. Whether you dip, drizzle, or dunk—this is your chance to be part of Wingstop history.

Stay saucy, stay bold, and we’ll see you on National Ranch Day!

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The Foodservice Solutions® team is dedicated to helping you grow your top-line sales and bottom-line profits.

Are you looking a customer ahead? We have the strategies to get you there.

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Grocerant Guru Says Wingstop & OPI’s ‘Snack in :60 Challenge’ is a Brand Invitation Others Should Have Thought of First

 

Food marketing is all about relevance, timing, and creating a brand invitation that turns heads. The latest collaboration between Wingstop and OPI hits all three marks, proving once again that consumer behavior is the key to unlocking incremental sales growth according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

In a world where grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh foods continue to drive consumer migration from traditional restaurants to convenience-driven options, Wingstop’s newest partnership with OPI’s RapiDry Quick-Dry Nail Polish exemplifies a mix-and-match meal solution that extends beyond just what’s on the plate—it’s a cultural moment wrapped in indulgence, convenience, and self-expression.

Why This Collaboration is Food Marketing Gold Wingstop, known for its craveable, sauced-and-tossed wings, and OPI, a leader in nail color innovation, are tapping into a consumer truth: no one likes to wait. This collaboration is built on real-world consumer habits—today’s customers are not only looking for bold flavors, but they also want experiences that fit seamlessly into their fast-paced lives. According to food industry data, 63% of consumers decide what they’ll have for dinner after 4 PM, and nearly 50% of meals today are consumed alone. This means convenience-driven, low-friction dining solutions win every time.

Enter the Snack in :60 Challenge, where fans are invited to paint their nails with OPI’s new RapiDry Quick-Dry Nail Polish and then grab their made-to-order Wingstop wings within 60 seconds—without worrying about smudging their fresh manicure. That’s a mix-and-match meal solution beyond just food—it’s about integrating lifestyle choices into dining occasions.

Why This is a Grocerant-Style Game Changer Grocerant niche success is about bundling, relevance, and timing. This partnership checks all the right boxes:

1.       A Perfect Pairing for Young Consumers: Gen Z and Millennials, the most influential consumer groups today, thrive on social-driven experiences that combine food, self-care, and entertainment. This campaign builds on those consumer behaviors while giving brands a competitive edge.

2.       Driving Incremental Sales Through Bundling: Bundling food with an engaging lifestyle product enhances brand value. Other brands should be asking themselves: Why didn’t we think of this first?

3.       Creating a Brand Invitation: Every retailer, restaurant, and C-store needs to rethink how they engage consumers beyond just food. This partnership extends beyond traditional marketing—it's an invitation to interact with the brand in a new, exciting way.

A Lesson for Foodservice Operators & C-Stores This kind of cross-industry collaboration is something restaurants, grocery stores, and even convenience stores should be exploring. The concept of ‘meal occasions’ is shifting, and brand relevance now depends on how well companies adapt to the consumer lifestyle. From boxed meal solutions to gamified promotions that drive digital engagement, the Snack in :60 Challenge should be a wake-up call for competitors.

So, while fans get ready to take on the challenge with their exclusive OPI RapiDry x Wingstop Snack in :60 Kit—which includes two OPI RapiDry shades, a 60-second timer, and a Wingstop gift card—other brands should be strategizing their next move. Because in today’s fast-paced foodservice landscape, being late to the game means missing out on a feast of opportunity.

The Snack in :60 Kits will be available beginning Friday, January 31 at 12 p.m. ET through Wednesday, February 5 at 9 p.m. ET at Snackin60.com—but only while supplies last.

For the rest of the industry, the Grocerant Guru asks: What are you waiting for?

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Wingstop Benefits from Consumer Migration to Handheld Food

 

In a never-ending battle for more time during the day, to do more ‘stuff’ according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® consumers are simply time starved. Our lives are getting faster, and our eating habits are adapting accordingly. The rise of handheld food for immediate consumption is a clear reflection of this trend, driven by several key factors:

Convenience is King: In today's busy world, people crave convenience. Handheld options like sandwiches, wraps, and tacos offer a quick and mess-free way to refuel, fitting seamlessly into hectic schedules. Whether it's a morning breakfast burrito or a post-workout protein bar, the ease of portability makes handheld food a winner.

Variety and Customization: Gone are the days of limited choices. Handheld food boasts a diverse range of options, catering to individual preferences and dietary needs. From gluten-free wraps to vegetarian sushi rolls, there's something for everyone. This level of customization allows people to enjoy their favorite flavors and ingredients on the go.

Urbanization and the Mobile Lifestyle: As populations shift towards urban centers, the demand for portable food increases. City dwellers often have shorter commutes and less time for sit-down meals, making handheld options the perfect solution for a quick bite between errands or meetings.

Innovation Fuels the Trend: The food industry is constantly innovating, introducing exciting new handheld items. From gourmet food trucks offering fusion cuisine to global flavors like bao buns and empanadas, the constant evolution keeps things interesting and fuels the popularity of this trend.

Social Media's Culinary Influence: Food trends are heavily influenced by social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. When influencers showcase delicious handheld meals, it sparks curiosity and encourages others to try these convenient and flavorful options.

These factors, working together, have created a perfect storm for the widespread adoption of handheld food. As our lives become increasingly fast-paced and mobile, the convenience, variety, and constant innovation offered by handheld options will undoubtedly continue to drive this trend forward.

 

At its core Wingstop is experiencing a boom, due in large part to Hand-Held food, seemingly defying the current quick-service industry struggles by skyrocketing their sales and acquiring a record number of new customers. Here's the breakdown:

·         Explosive Growth: Same-store sales soared 21.6% in Q1, driven almost entirely by transaction growth, not just increased ticket prices.

·         New Guest Mania: Wingstop attracted the highest number of new customers in their history, a group largely consisting of Gen Z and Millennials with higher incomes who prefer digital engagement.

·         Digital Savvy: Digital ordering reached a record 68% mix, fueled by the launch of their new proprietary tech stack, MyWingstop. This paves the way for hyper-personalization and increased customer loyalty.

·         Global Expansion: Wingstop is aggressively expanding, with a record-breaking 275-295 new restaurants planned for 2024, exceeding their initial target. International markets like Canada, Puerto Rico, and South Korea are exceeding expectations.

Key Insights for all food retailers:

·         The Power of New Customers: Focusing on attracting a new generation of customers with higher disposable income and digital preferences is a winning strategy.

·         Embrace Digital: Investing in a strong digital platform like MyWingstop is crucial for driving sales, retention, and frequency.

·         Data-Driven Personalization: Leveraging customer data to personalize marketing and promotions can significantly boost engagement and sales.

·         Asset-Light Advantage: Wingstop's low overhead model allows for rapid expansion and makes them an attractive franchise opportunity.

Why This Matters: Wingstop's success story is a blueprint for other fast-food chains struggling in the current climate. Their focus on new customer acquisition, digital innovation, and global expansion positions them for exceptional long-term growth, making them a valuable player in the booming Hand Held Food category.

Strong Outlook: Despite a potentially challenging economic environment, Wingstop is confident in their ability to maintain double-digit same-store sales growth. Their Q1 results, driven almost entirely by transaction growth, demonstrate the brand's underlying health and the effectiveness of their strategy.

The Grocerant Guru's Verdict: Wingstop is a clear leader in the booming Hand-Held Food category, demonstrating impressive customer acquisition, digital adoption, and global expansion potential. Their focus on brand awareness, operational efficiency, and technological advancements positions them for continued success in the years to come.

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.

Wingstop Customer Focused Not Bandwagon Marketing

 

The trend is your friend.  Consumers are dynamic not static and restaurant chains can not get stuck in the past with positioning that looks more like yesterday and tomorrow. According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, McDonald’s introduced ‘meal deals’ at tis drive-thru to speed-up drive-thru service. Simultaneously they increased the average check, drove top line sales and bottom-line profits. 

Consumers continue to be time starved, and looking for meal and meal component solutions and meal deals help with both according to Johnson.

So, that said, Wingstop launched the Cajun Meal Deal – a new menu innovation that packs everything fans crave into one easy-to-indulge box, smothered in extra flavor. Only available at Wingstop, the meal comes in fans’ choice of a cooked-to-order chicken sandwich, classic wings, boneless wings or crispy tenders with craveable loaded fries, drizzled with Wingstop’s signature ranch, melty cheese and bold Cajun seasoning.

Available in U.S. restaurants for a limited time, this meal – complete with a cold beverage – is packed with flavor at a compelling value, starting at just $8.99.

Wingstop’s Chief Growth Officer, Anne Fischer, stated, “Wingstop’s Cajun Meal Deal combines everything you crave,” …. “Our latest menu innovation delivers that cooked-to-order, indulgent Wingstop occasion that fans hunger for, all at a great value.” Now then, the Cajun Meal Deal can be ordered on Wingstop.com or the Wingstop ap

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

At Wingstop The Trend is Their Friend

 

Regular readers of this blog have all heard the old adage, The Trend is Your Friend. When Wingstop entered the chicken sandwich scene last week, offering their sandwich in the brand’s 12 bold and distinct flavors. The team at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® including Grocerant Guru®, Steven Johnson knew it would be a big hit, saying “it is, a perfect example of consumer-focused interactive participatory food marketing.”

So, as Wingstop quickly revealed that consumers have been constrained to a category of bland, where their only options are plain or spicy breaded sandwiches. The flavor craving is real, with Wingstop selling out its entire supply at 1,600+ U.S. locations in a matter of days, beating out Super Bowl Sunday transaction levels. Here are some key stats from the company:

·         Sold over 1 million chicken sandwiches in just 6 days

·         Sold out of 4 weeks of supply in just 6 days, with some restaurants wiped of supply in as little as 2 days

·         The first Friday after Chicken Sandwich launch, Wingstop achieved one of its highest single transaction days on record, with average daily restaurant transactions beating Super Bowl Sunday

·         Exceeded chicken sandwich sales expectations by 300%, based on market test results

·         Viral marketing campaign was #3 trending on Twitter, with all 100K free sandwich codes in giveaway called Chicken Sandwich Split claimed in under one day

·         Wingstop.com traffic ran over double the typical rate

 

Wingstop CEO Michael Skipworth, stated, “The launch of our Wingstop Chicken Sandwich in 12 flavors exceeded our expectations on all fronts,"… "Our craveable product and viral campaign drove unprecedented, extraordinary demand from both our core guests as well as brought a lot of new Wingstop fans into the brand. Thanks to strong, trusted relationships with supplier partners, we anticipate having chicken sandwich supply back in restaurants soon, so fans and new guests alike can get their hands on their new favorite chicken sandwich.” 

Don’t worry, Chicken Sandwich seekers, you can be alerted of restocks by signing up for Wingstop’s digital database, where once back, it can be purchased at a compelling value of $5.49 for an a la carte sandwich with a dip, or $7.99 for the combo with fries and a drink. The sold-out message will be shared across Wingstop social channels today and expect to see consumer reactions in live time.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Wingstop Better-4-You Better-4-all of US

 

Grocerant niche mix and match meal bundling is a hallmark at Wingstop. Consider all of the flavors of wings and full-flavored sides that can be mixed and matched into a perfect game day, any day, meal, or snack, into a customized better 4 you experience.  However, it is the power of quality messaging choices at Wingstop that drive customers back time and time again. 

It not just the food that consumers think is better-4-you at Wingstop, its new uniform program is a valued brand messaging platform as well.  Their new uniforms feature an array of clothing made from recycled plastic water bottles. Yes, made from water bottle! You have to like that!

So, based on Wingstop’s anticipated order volume and usage, the brand estimates more than two million plastic water bottles will be recycled to make the new clothing. Sustainable clothing is just one of many initiatives Wingstop is implementing to support its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts.

Wingstop Chief Growth Officer Marisa Carona, stated, "As Wingstop continues expanding and growing, we're mindful of our footprint and how we give back to the communities in which we serve," … "The new uniform program is an exciting step toward making large-scale changes for the better and is a great asset as we continue curating a highly-engaged workforce that is proud of where they work and what that company stands for."

Get this, the stylish yet eco-friendly uniform line from The LogoLink Group, affiliate partner of Boundless Network, features a front of house "crew member tee," back of house "chef shirt," manager polos, caps and visors as well as optional outwear like vests and jackets. Not only can team members feel great in updated fashionable and functional uniforms, they can also feel good about reducing their footprint. Sample benefits from Wingstop's sustainable uniforms:

·         Crew member tee = 6 bottles

·         Chef shirt = 10 bottles

·         Manager polo = 20 bottles

Once the great branded messaging continues, with the launch of Wingstop's new uniform program comes just months after the brand moved into its new Global Support Center (GSC) in Addison, Texas, which is 100 percent powered by local wind from the Engie Live Oak Wind Farm in San Angelo, Texas. After acquiring the building in 2019, the three-story, single occupancy corporate office building underwent a complete interior renovation requiring more than a year of design and conceptual strategy. Excess building materials, furniture, and office supplies collected during the renovation were donated on behalf of Wingstop Charities to the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, Genesis Women's Shelter, and Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep.

There is more, to capture Wingstop's great work and commitment to ESG, Wingstop launched a website called Flavor for Good, which outlines three key focus areas for the brand: waste management; diversity, equity and inclusion; and community. How is you brand messaging integrated?

Looking for success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities, technology, or a new menu product segment.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter