Wingstop is known for many things:
- Boneless and bone-in wings
- 12 zesty flavor options
- Bonkers, double-digit same-store sales growth
It is not, however, known for operating bars.
But the Dallas-based fast-casual wing chain is known for its history of cheeky marketing efforts. (Remember when it launched a virtual concept called Thighstop to promote its new dark meat offering? Or when it opened a pop-up restaurant, Maison des Saveurs, in Paris tied to the opening of the Summer Olympics? And who could forget the chain’s 420-themed “Wingstop Hot Box,” featuring T.H.C (The Hot Chili) spice rub?)
But we digress. Back to the bar.
Wingstop this week said it’s getting into the bar business, opening a two-night pop-up in Brooklyn this Thursday and Friday.
The name? Bar Tender by Wingstop. The menu? Chicken tenders. Need you even ask?
“We all know the feeling of rolling into our favorite bar with friends and ordering the bartender’s specialty,” Wingstop Chief Revenue Officer Mark Christenson said in a statement. “With Bar Tender by Wingstop, we’re shaking things up—literally—serving all 12 bold flavors for a one-of-a kind experience.”
Walk-ins are welcome, though fans could sign up for a spot online. But by Tuesday, only waitlist slots remained
Bar Tender, which takes place at the Jolene Soundroom in Brooklyn’s oh-so-trendy Williamsburg neighborhood, will feature a Mukbang Station, Sauce & Toss Bar, live DJs and more, Wingstop said.
The chain did not respond to a Restaurant Business request to comment on whether Bar Tender is a one-off event or, say, a potential growth concept for the chain.
Sure, that may sound ridiculous. But we think a chicken tender bar could have some legs. Plus, Bar Tender is a far better name than Thighstop.
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