Rapidly-expanding Wingstop, which recently opened its 500th restaurant, has promoted David Vernon to Senior Vice President of Development. In his new role, Vernon will oversee the franchise development, construction and real estate departments.
“Since joining the Wingstop family, Dave has produced outstanding results and cultivated relationships with new franchise groups and existing brand partners,” said Jim Flynn, Wingstop president and CEO. “As our new senior vice president of development he will be even more involved in spearheading the company’s overall growth and development as we open 60 new restaurants in 2012.”
Vernon joined Wingstop in October 2010 as vice president of franchise sales. Under his leadership, Wingstop has signed franchise agreements to result in more than 150 new restaurant openings in the U.S. and 120 new openings in Mexico.
With more than 20 years of restaurant franchise experience, Vernon previously spent 13 years as vice president of sales at Sonic Corporation. Prior to that, he held development positions for Brinker International, Pizza Inn, Inc., USA Cafes and Signature Foods.
Vernon is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Journalism.
Headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wingstop has 500 restaurants open across the United States and Mexico. The Wingstop menu features 10 wing flavors including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Hickory Smoked BBQ and the newest offering, Louisiana Rub. Wings are made fresh, cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including Wingstop’s award winning fresh-cut seasoned fries. Wingstop has experienced eight consecutive years of positive sales increases, was named a Top 10 Best Franchise Deal by QSR magazine, was crowned Wing King at the National Buffalo Wing Festival and has been voted ‘best wings’ in markets across the country. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain’s national spokesman since 2003 and recently joined the Wingstop Board of Directors. Wingstop was acquired in 2010 by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in business and consumer service companies with attractive growth prospects and revenues ranging from $20 million to $1.0 billion. For more information visit wingstop.com or wingstopfranchise.com.
