Chicken chain opens first Lexington location, packed with customers, line out the door
A popular chicken wing restaurant chain opened the first of three Lexington locations Wednesday, March 12, and local foodies packed the tiny restaurant from the start.
Wingstop, a publicly traded international company founded and headquartered in Texas, opened at 3080 Richmond Road. Another location is planned to open at 4101 Tates Creek Centre Dr., near the Kroger grocery store, and a third is coming to 384 Woodland Ave., next to the bar going into the former Lynagh’s spot. No word on when those locations will open.
There has been much local anticipation for the opening of the chicken restaurant, which also has Kentucky locations in Louisville, Florence, Paducah and Bowling Green. Social media posts throughout the day said the line was out the door at the new Lexington location.
What’s on the menu at Wingstop
With the catch phrase “where flavor gets its wings,” Wingstop has a menu of boneless or bone-in wings, chicken tenders and a chicken sandwich as well as sides such as hand-cut Buffalo Ranch Fries and Cajun Fried Corn.
Customers can pick from at least 11 signature flavors, including lemon pepper, buffalo-style original hot, hickory smoked BBQ and more. The sauces, as well as homemade ranch, bleu cheese, honey mustard and cheese sauce also can be ordered for dipping.
The restaurant has a special on Mondays and Tuesdays, $.70 boneless wings.
Why is Wingstop so popular?
Pro tip: If you want to give the new restaurant a try and see what the fuss is about, it might be a good idea to order in advance online and pick up your order. They do offer delivery.
The chain has become “Internet famous” for spicy items such as the Louisiana Voodoo Fries and its wings are all over TikTok and other social media.
During the Paris Olympics, Wingstop set up a “House of Flavor” pop-up restaurant serving customers from all over the world.
And Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross reportedly owns 30 Wingstop locations.
In Central Kentucky, Wingstop will be entering a busy chicken and wing market. In Lexington, they will be competing with WingKYng, Buffalo Wild Wings, Golden Flame Hot Wings, Slim Chickens, Rooster, Joella’s Hot Chicken, It’s Just Wings, Shaking Seafood & Wings, Indi’s Chicken, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Grimes’s Fast Food, Wing Zone and AJ’s Wings & Things, which recently open.
Wingstop
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight, everyday
Order online for carryout or delivery: wingstop.com
Phone: 859-407-4243
