Wingstop Outpaces Starbucks, Chipotle in Fastest-Growing Restaurant Ranking

Chicken wing chain Wingstop has emerged as the fastest-growing restaurant brand in the 2026 QSR 50 rankings, surpassing previous leaders like Starbucks and Chipotle. The company opened 382 new locations last year, approximately 100 more than any other brand.

This rapid expansion has propelled Wingstop to the top spot in under two years. In 2024, the chain was already the fourth fastest-growing brand nationally. While Starbucks held a lead of 589 locations at that time, Wingstop has significantly closed the gap.

The Dallas-based company, established 32 years ago, has faced its own hurdles. In 2025, Wingstop experienced its first decline in same-store sales in over two decades, with a 3.3% decrease. The early part of 2026 also brought external pressures, including a dip in customer visits attributed to severe weather and rising fuel prices.

Wingstop concluded 2025 with approximately 3,056 locations worldwide, including 407 international franchises. Notably, around 98% of these locations are franchised.

The chain's growth aligns with a broader trend favoring chicken restaurants. Market research firm Circana's 2025 rankings also indicated strong growth for chicken concepts like Raising Cane's.