US pizza chain Marco’s Pizza has launched its first New Jersey outlet in Somerset, marking the brand’s entry into the Central Jersey market. The restaurant is located at 1135 Easton Avenue. The Somerset location is operated by franchisee Teepu Khan, a restaurant industry veteran with long-standing experience running large-scale outlets for national brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut and Dunkin'. Khan said: “I've always loved the pizza category, but I saw how the industry was changing. When I discovered Marc ...

Core Insights - Wingstop's stock experienced a significant increase of over 12% amid heavy trading, driven by elevated short interest of over 17% of the tradable float, which likely intensified buying pressure [1][6][7] Quarterly Metrics - Wingstop reported system-wide sales of $1.3 billion in Q4 2025, reflecting a 9.3% increase from 2024 - The company opened 124 net new restaurants, achieving a domestic restaurant average unit volume (AUV) of $2.0 million - Domestic same-store sales decreased by 5.8% compared to the previous year, while digital orders constituted 73.2% of system-wide sales - Operating income rose to $46.835 million from $41.840 million a year ago - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 9.8% to $61.878 million from $56.348 million year-over-year [2] Restaurant Network - As of December 27, Wingstop operated 3,056 restaurants globally, with 2,586 located in the U.S. and 470 in international markets and U.S. territories - Among U.S. locations, 2,529 were franchised and 57 were company-owned, while all international units were franchised - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents totaling $196.572 million [3] Dividend Declaration - On February 17, Wingstop declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, amounting to approximately $8.3 million, scheduled for payment on March 27, 2026 [4] Outlook - The company anticipates flat to low-single-digit growth in domestic same-store sales for fiscal 2026 - Global unit growth is projected at 15% to 16% - Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) are expected to be between $151 million and $154 million, including $3 million in restructuring charges - Stock-based compensation expense is estimated at about $32 million, with net interest expense around $43 million and depreciation and amortization expected to be approximately $30 million [5] Elevated Short Interest - Wingstop has a short float of approximately 3.66 million shares, representing 17.33% of its publicly traded float, indicating a high level of short interest among investors - Trading volume reached about 1.90 million shares, significantly exceeding the 100-day average volume of roughly 724,785 shares, indicating heightened trading activity [6]

Core Insights - Wingstop reported fourth-quarter system-wide sales of $1.3 billion, a 9.3% increase compared to 2024, primarily due to the addition of 124 net new restaurants, although domestic same-store sales declined by 5.8% due to macroeconomic pressures [1][3] - The company ended 2025 with over 3,000 restaurants and system-wide sales exceeding $5 billion, despite a 3% decline in same-store sales [2][6] - Management emphasized the potential for scaling its franchised model and the successful rollout of the Smart Kitchen platform, which aims to enhance operational efficiency [3][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA rose approximately 10% in Q4 to $61.9 million, while adjusted earnings per diluted share increased by 5% to $1.00, despite a $0.18 impact from higher interest expenses related to a $500 million securitization [6][7] - The company returned over $250 million to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases, with a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share declared for March 2026 [4][18] Growth and Expansion - Wingstop plans to launch a national loyalty program, "Club Wingstop," in Q2 2026, following a successful pilot that saw a 7% increase in frequency among enrolled guests [4][16] - The company aims for global unit growth of 15-16% in 2026, with guidance for domestic same-store sales to be flat to low single-digit growth [4][19] Operational Improvements - The Smart Kitchen rollout is complete, with management reporting that about 50% of restaurants are achieving 10-minute service times, and delivery times have improved by approximately 15% year-over-year [5][11] - The company is focusing on execution in 2026, implementing new operating standards and accountability measures to enhance performance [9][10] Marketing and Customer Engagement - Wingstop's new brand campaign, "Wingstop Is Here," aims to increase brand awareness and has shown early success with record high brand recall [13] - The digital customer base grew by 20% in 2025, with significant growth noted among higher-income households [14]

Core Insights - The cost to host a Super Bowl party for 10 people is estimated at $140 this year, reflecting a $2 increase from last year, which is a 1.6% rise, slower than the grocery inflation rate of 2.4% [1][6] Food Prices Overview - Chicken wings have seen a price decrease of 2.8% from last year, making them one of the most affordable snacks. Other items like tortilla chips, avocados, carrots, peppers, and frozen pizza have also become less expensive [4][6] - In contrast, shrimp prices have increased by 8.1% to $9.10 per pound, while beef prices rose to $10.01 per pound, marking a 16.4% year-over-year increase [5][6] - Vegetable prices, including cherry tomatoes, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, have also risen, along with salsa and onion-flavored dips, attributed to labor costs [6] Wage Impact - Average hourly wages have increased by 3.8% to $31.99, providing consumers with more financial flexibility to host parties despite rising food costs [3][2]

Company Overview - Domino's Pizza operates over 21,000 locations globally, with 99% being franchise-owned, generating revenue through royalties and franchise fees, resulting in a high-margin business model [2] - Wingstop has over 2,800 locations worldwide, with 98% franchise ownership, also benefiting from a high-margin, asset-light business model [7] Revenue Generation - Domino's generates 60% of its revenue from its supply chain, providing equipment and food to franchisees, sharing half of its pre-tax supply chain profit with them [3][4] - Wingstop does not operate a supply chain but has strong demand for new franchise locations due to attractive unit economics, with U.S. locations averaging $2.1 million in annual revenue [9][10] Growth Potential - Wingstop is opening over 400 new locations this year, with a record pipeline for future openings, and aims to grow from 2,400 to 6,000 locations in the U.S. [11][14] - Wingstop has increased same-store sales for 21 consecutive years, with potential to grow average annual sales volume per location to $3 million [14] Market Performance - Wingstop is currently experiencing a decline in stock price, down over 40% from its highs, trading at a low price-to-earnings (P/E) valuation [16] - In contrast, Domino's is growing revenue at a single-digit growth rate, while Wingstop is expected to sustain double-digit growth [15]

Core Insights - Wingstop is celebrating its annual Wingstop Wing Day by offering fans five free wings, either classic or boneless, in any of its 12 flavors using the code FREEWINGS at checkout [1][2] - The company is launching a new flavor called Hot Lemon, a combination of Original Hot and Lemon Pepper, available for a limited time starting July 30 [3] Company Overview - Wingstop Inc., founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, TX, operates over 2,650 restaurants globally, with 98% owned by brand partners [5] - The company reported approximately $5 billion in system-wide sales for fiscal 2024 and has achieved 21 consecutive years of same-store sales growth [5] - Wingstop aims to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand and has been named the Official Chicken Partner of the NBA [5]

Company Overview - FAT Brands Inc. is the parent company of popular wing brands including Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, and Buffalo's Cafe, and it operates over 2,300 units worldwide [6][5] - The company has a diverse portfolio of 18 restaurant brands, including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Twin Peaks, focusing on fast casual and casual dining concepts [6] National Chicken Wing Day Promotions - Hurricane Grill & Wings will offer wings for $0.99 each on July 29, with a minimum purchase of five wings, available for both dine-in and carry-out orders [2] - Native Grill & Wings will provide wings for $0.49 each with the purchase of a drink, applicable for dine-in guests and orders through their app [3] - Buffalo's Cafe will feature wings at $0.75 each, available for dine-in and carry-out, with a selection of signature sauces [4] New Menu Offerings - Hurricane Grill & Wings is introducing a new Spicy Peach Wing Sauce to celebrate its 30th anniversary, alongside its extensive lineup of over 35 sauces [2] - Native Grill & Wings is launching a limited-time summer menu that includes new Medium and Hot Lemon Pepper Wing Sauces [3] - Buffalo's Cafe will highlight a new summer menu featuring grilled classics and chilled cocktails [4] Marketing and Brand Strategy - The company emphasizes customer loyalty and engagement through special promotions on National Chicken Wing Day, aiming to attract wing lovers and enhance brand visibility [5] - FAT Brands has been strategically acquiring and developing restaurant concepts since its inception in 2017, focusing on popular wing brands to draw devoted fans [5]

Core Insights - QSIC has partnered with Wingstop to provide an in-store audio experience for its first Australian location in Sydney, enhancing the customer experience through AI-driven audio solutions [1][2][3] Company Overview - QSIC is a global intelligent in-store audio platform that utilizes data and AI to improve the planning process and measure the impact of audio on customer engagement and sales [6] - The company reaches over 100 million in-store shoppers monthly and helps retailers activate their Retail Media Networks through various audio-related services [6] Partnership Details - The collaboration with Wingstop aims to create a branded music experience that reflects the brand's bold personality and energetic atmosphere [2][3] - QSIC's audio platform is designed to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction by providing curated music that complements the store environment [4] Industry Context - Wingstop is recognized as one of the fastest-growing global restaurant brands, with over 2,500 locations across multiple countries, known for its distinctive chicken wing flavors [3] - The use of curated music experiences is becoming increasingly important in the retail and restaurant sectors to drive customer loyalty and repeat business [4]