Wingstop’s same-store sales drop 5.6% as chain normalizes after record two-year growth

Core Insights - Wingstop Inc. reported a 5.6% decline in U.S. same-store sales for Q3 2025, following a record-breaking growth period over the past two years [1] - The decline was sharper than anticipated, but the CEO expects it to be temporary [1] - The company is adjusting its fiscal 2025 guidance to reflect a more cautious outlook of 3 to 4% same-store sales declines for the year due to broader macroeconomic challenges [3] Company Performance - Wingstop's net income for Q3 increased by 10.7% to $28.5 million, or $1.02 earnings per share, compared to $25.7 million, or 88 cents per share, in Q3 2024 [4] - Total revenue rose by 8.1% to $175.7 million [4] Strategic Focus - The company is focusing on long-term growth opportunities, including plans to scale to 10,000 restaurants globally, currently operating just under 3,000 [2][3] - Wingstop is shifting its target demographic to wealthier consumers with household incomes of $75,000 or higher [3] - The company is opening new locations at a rate of one per day and has updated its guidance for net new restaurant openings from 475 to 485 [3]