Opening a Wingstop franchise can cost anywhere from $374,089 - 782,442, according to the brand’s franchising website. But more than simply handing over a pile of cash, Wingstop franchisees need to have a net worth of at least $1.2 million, $600,000 of which needs to be a liquid asset. 

Here’s a breakdown of the costs from the brand itself: 

Initial fees 
Development fee 
Franchise fee 
$10,000 
$20,000 
Security deposits $0 -10,000
Site survey fees$2,500
Architect and engineering fees$6,600 - 23,350
Permit expeditor fees$1,200 - 2,500
Professional fees$1,500 - 4,000
Leaseholder improvements$142,669 - 422,062
Business operating permits$3,000 - 5,500
Decor package$7,500 - 10,925
Furniture, fixtures, audio/visual system, equipment and smallwares$106,395 - 135,790
Point of sale register, hardware and software$22,250 - 30,500
Signs $8,500 - 36,315
Phone system$1,725 - 2,000
Opening Inventory$10,000 - 15,000
Opening Publicity and Promotions$5,000 - 15,000
Additional funds 3 months$25,000 - 35,000
Total$374,089 - 782,442

On average, Wingstop stores brought in $1,246,250 in sales in 2019. The brand demands a six percent royalty fee and another six or so percent for advertising funds. 

If Wingstop isn’t the perfect fit for your goals or budget, here are five other franchises we love that boast top-notch fried chicken or fried chicken sandwiches.

Atomic Wings

Checkers

Buffalo Wings & Rings

Layne’s Chicken Fingers*

  • Startup costs: $769,000-$1,320,000
  • Units: 6

Slim Chickens

  • Startup costs: $842,000-$1,700,000
  • Units: 100+

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Alex Lockie

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Alex Lockie

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