US chicken chain Wingstop in Craigavon restaurant opening

One of the world’s fastest‐growing chicken chains Wingstop opens its new Craigavon restaurant in the Rushmere shopping centre at 11am on Friday. It’s the company’s third outlet in Northern Ireland after it opened on Belfast’s Boucher Crescent in March, followed by Dundonald in April. Plans have also been revealed for a site in Belfast’s Castle Place, next to McDonald’s flagship city centre outlet. Originally founded in Texas in 1994, Wingstop crossed the Atlantic in 2018, signing a UK and Ireland franchise agreement with Lemon Pepper Holdings. The franchise business in Britain and Ireland has significantly ramped up after Lemon Pepper Holdings was acquired for more than £400 million in late 2024 by US private equity firm Sixth Street. Craigavon is Wingstop’s 99th location, and the first 100 people through its door will receive a choice of eight free chicken wings or boneless to celebrate the opening. The 238-square-metre store will accommodate 103 covers, bringing Wingstop’s iconic flavours and signature menu to Craigavon. Customers will be able to enjoy fan favourites such as lemon pepper, alongside Wingstop’s newest limited-edition dips, cajun ranch and BBQ Ranch, as well as the highly requested Big Ranch dip. Wingstop first arrived Ireland in December 2025 with its first store opening at Liffey Valley in Dublin before moving north. Known for its bold range of sauces and seasonings, Wingstop’s menu of wings, boneless, tenders, burgers, loaded fries, milkshakes and churros has already made it a viral hit across TikTok and beyond. Paddy Bamford, chief financial officer of Wingstop UK & Ireland, said: “The Rushmere opening marks another important step in our Northern Ireland growth strategy. “The warm reception we received in Belfast following our launch on Boucher Crescent in March and Dundonald in April, has been incredible, and we look forward to continuing to bring the flavour to new communities.” Wingstop UK & Ireland is expanding across the island of Ireland, with an expected 20 sites to open within the next seven years. The Northern Ireland expansion will also bring new employment opportunities, supported by long-term career growth through its Step-Up programme and Wingstop University internal training programme.