US fast food chicken brand set to fly in to Birmingham’s Bullring

Hammerson has struck a deal with US fast food chicken brand Wingstop to open three new regional locations at its flagship destinations, including Birmingham’s Bullring.

Following the successful opening of its tenth UK location in Gloucester Road, South Kensington late last year, Wingstop UK is now set to open sites in the former EAT at Bullring, the former Chik-Fil-A at the Oracle in Reading, and the former Dorothy Perkins in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.

Opening dates are expected to be announced shortly.

“We are delighted to have agreed this significant three site deal with an institutional partner such as Hammerson, this trilogy provides us with accelerated regional presence in high profile locations over the next two quarters” said Tom Grogan, director of Lemon Pepper Holdings (a master franchisee and brand partner of Wingstop).

“Since COVID-19 hit early last year our business has evidently faced challenges, yet our team and model has been able to quickly adapt for accelerated growth in off premise transactions. We are now well capitalised to take advantage of an adjusted real estate market and we are on track to open 10 locations this year.”

Iain Mitchell, UK commercial director at Hammerson, said: “We know that for our customers, grabbing a bite to eat is a really important part of a trip to one of our destinations, so we’re constantly on the look-out for brands that can deliver something special. Wingstop has already built up a strong fan base in just a few years, so I’m certain these new sites will go down well with our customers, and complement the broader offer at these destinations.

“It’s been a tough 12 months for everyone, but announcements like this demonstrate that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We can’t wait to safely welcome customers back to our destinations.”