Wingstop's digital sales exceeded 70% last quarter

Wingstop is experiencing significant growth, largely due to the popularity of chicken wings and its expansion efforts. In 2024, the company opened 349 new locations, increasing its store count by nearly 16%. This aggressive expansion helped boost sales by 36% compared to 2023. Notably, Wingstop has also succeeded in maintaining strong performance at existing locations. Same-store sales in the United States rose by almost 20%. This shows that the company is effectively managing both its growth and core operations simultaneously. Looking ahead, Wingstop plans to expand its store count by another 14% to 15% in 2025. While it expects a slight decrease in same-store sales, the combination of new locations and a solid digital sales strategy should support continued revenue growth. Digital sales accounted for over 70% of Wingstop's total sales in the last quarter of 2024. This includes orders made through the company's website, app, and store kiosks, which help reduce costs and widen customer reach. Digital orders allow Wingstop to manage transactions without needing as much employee involvement. While Wingstop's strong digital presence aids in customer retention and brand engagement, the company must keep customers interested in chicken wings to sustain its business. If consumer preferences shift, Wingstop may face challenges. Currently, Wingstop's stock has a high price-to-earnings ratio, which might deter some investors. However, its consistent growth and digital success could attract more aggressive, growth-focused investors as it aims for future success.