Layoff in 2002 eventually led to new business opportunity for Los Banos resident
MERCED, Calif. – Seven years after losing his job during a technology layoff in Silicon Valley, Eldridge Johns is celebrating a new milestone – his third anniversary as a successful Wingstop [www.wingstop.com] owner and operator.
After first trying real estate, the Los Banos resident and his wife, Vanessa, opened their restaurant at 779 E. Yosemite Avenue in 2006 in Merced, and the signature bone-in chicken wings available in nine proprietary flavors were an immediate hit.
“I looked into franchises when I was laid off in 2002, and at the time I was unsure of what industry to invest in,” said Johns. “After some time working in real estate, I came back to franchising. I knew about the Wingstop concept and how simple it was, and thought it would go over well in Merced.”
His broad customer base includes the growing college population at the University of California at Merced, which opened its campus the same year as Johns’ Wingstop.
“Wingstop stays open until midnight, which really appeals to our college guests,” said Johns.
Three years later, Johns and his wife remain hands-on at the store and have developed their Wingstop into a successful investment.
“We’re celebrating three years of serving hot food hot, cold food cold and always with a smile,” Johns said.
Dallas-based Wingstop was founded in 1994 and began franchising in 1997. Today Wingstop has more than 650 locations open or under development nationwide. At a time when many chains are struggling, Wingstop has experienced positive comp stores sales for 22 consecutive quarters, and the company recently moved from #125 to #97 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” ranking of all leading franchise brands worldwide.
About Wingstop
Wingstop offers restaurants with a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere where the sole focus is on chicken wings. Wingstop features nine wing flavors, including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ. The wings are cooked-to-order and customers can also choose from homemade side dishes including fresh-cut seasoned fries, bourbon baked beans, pearl potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vegetable sticks, rolls and assorted dipping sauces. Wingstop recently received an American Business Award for Best Overall Company and was chosen Wing King at the 2006 National Buffalo Wing Festival. Troy Aikman, three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, has served as the chain’s national spokesman since 2003.
Franchise Information
Wingstop franchise and franchise event information is available at www.wingstopfranchise.com or by contacting the franchise department at (972) 686-6500 or areadevelopment@wingstop.com.
###