A new Wingstop location has opened near the Mall at Johnson City, replacing what was formerly a Hokie Smokie Brisket and Barbecue and adding to their 26 locations across Tennessee. According to WJHL, Aples Construction obtained the permit on Aug. 24 to begin an estimated $300,000 worth of renovation to the building.

Wingstop has made a name for itself worldwide with approximately 2,000 locations according to its website. With 11 signature flavors and extensive menu options, their success in the chain restaurant industry has gained increasing popularity since their first opening on July 5, 1994, in Garland, TX. Antonio Swad, founder of Wingstop, began his restaurant career at 15 as a dishwasher but only introduced himself as a restaurant owner in 1986 when he opened a carryout pizza conceptual restaurant.

Wanting to stand out in the industry, Swad began taking interest in the wing business which was unpopular at the time. He first began handing out free samples at his pizza restaurant but eventually proceeded to claim wings as no longer a side dish or appetizer, but the main course. The idea caught attention quickly and soon, their eight original flavors turned to 11, which then brought the idea of additional limited-time flavors.

As stated in an article by Wingsider, In the beginning, the restaurant only stayed open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. In 2005, they began opening for lunch, but now, most locations are open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Their times aren’t the only thing that changed, its physical appearance and concept have also progressed as the restaurant has grown. The original Wingstop concept of 2005 was described as dark and mysterious like a bat cave, as Wingsider described it. Now, the restaurant can be seen to be brighter with implemented tech for a modern and lustrous look.

Photo of the new and modern Wingstop in Johnson City, Tennessee. (Elaina Gilliam/East Tennessean)

Wingstop has come far from its roots, growing locations worldwide including its expansion to Spain in 2022 where the first Wingstop of Europe opened. Serving customers an original wing-centered concept daily, their success has no limits. For more information on Wingstop, visit their official website at https://www.wingstop.com/.

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