Wingstop Supports the American Red Cross to Help Communities Affected by 2025 California Wildfires

Rhea-AI Summary

Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) has announced expanded efforts to support communities affected by the Southern California wildfires through a partnership with the American Red Cross. The company will match customer donations dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 through February 15, 2025. Customers can participate by rounding up their orders to the nearest dollar when purchasing through Wingstop.com or the mobile app.

CEO Michael Skipworth emphasized the devastating impact of the wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles County, stating they are among California's most destructive. In addition to the fundraising campaign, Wingstop is providing free meals to first responders who show their badge and delivering food to local fire stations and medical facilities to support emergency personnel.

Positive

• Matching customer donations up to $500,000, showing strong financial commitment to community support
• Partnership with American Red Cross enhances brand reputation and community engagement

Negative

• None.

Insights

Corporate Social Responsibility Analyst

Wingstop's wildfire relief initiative represents a strategically sound approach to corporate citizenship, though its direct financial impact is relatively modest. The 500,000 matching commitment, while significant, represents approximately 0.06% of annual revenue, indicating minimal impact on financial performance.

However, this initiative offers several indirect business benefits worth noting:

• The round-up program through digital channels may drive increased app usage and digital orders, supporting Wingstop's digital transformation strategy which currently accounts for over 65% of sales
• Local market goodwill in California, a key growth region representing approximately 12% of Wingstop's store base, could support expansion plans
• The timing aligns with typically slower post-holiday sales, potentially driving incremental traffic through purpose-driven engagement
• First responder support creates positive brand associations in emergency service communities, valuable for long-term brand building

While charitable initiatives rarely move stock prices directly, this program's strategic alignment with digital adoption goals and regional growth priorities demonstrates thoughtful execution of corporate social responsibility. The initiative's structure - leveraging existing digital infrastructure while supporting operational goals - suggests efficient deployment of resources for both social impact and business objectives.

Contributions from guests that participate in the Round-Up campaign will be matched, dollar for dollar up to $500k through Feb. 15 by Wingstop Inc.

DALLAS, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) announced today an expansion of its ongoing efforts to assist people and communities impacted by the wildfires in Southern California.

Through a partnership with the American Red Cross, Wingstop is making it easier for guests to support wildfire relief efforts. When ordering through Wingstop.com or the Wingstop mobile app, customers can round up to the nearest dollar at checkout to benefit the Red Cross. Over the next month, 100% of contributions made through our round up program will be donated to the Red Cross.

"It has been tragic to see the devastation impacting California residents affected by wildfires, especially in Los Angeles County. At Wingstop, we are committed to helping those in need. Disasters like these can devastate entire communities, making it essential for those with resources to step in and provide assistance. These wildfires are among the most destructive in California's history, and timely relief is crucial for those affected," said Wingstop CEO and President, Michael Skipworth. "We are truly grateful to the first responders who are working heroically and tirelessly to protect our communities. As a company that deeply values relationships, we are dedicated to supporting the Southern California community in meaningful ways as they work to rebuild. This commitment is the foundation of our partnership with the Red Cross over the next month as the fires continue to impact people throughout the region."

In addition to raising funds through the round-up program, Wingstop will continue to offer free meals to first responders when they show their badge at the register, take food to local fire stations and medical facilities to help feed first responders, law enforcement and emergency personnel on site.

About Wingstop

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, TX, Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) operates and franchises more than 2,450 locations worldwide. The Wing Experts are dedicated to Serving the World Flavor through an unparalleled guest experience and a best-in-class technology platform, all while offering classic and boneless wings, tenders, and chicken sandwiches, cooked to order and hand sauced-and-tossed in fans' choice of 12 bold, distinctive flavors. Wingstop's menu also features signature sides including fresh-cut, seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips.

In fiscal year 2023, Wingstop's system-wide sales increased 27.1% to approximately $3.5 billion, marking the 20th consecutive year of same store sales growth. With a vision of becoming a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand, Wingstop's system is comprised of corporate-owned restaurants and independent franchisees, or brand partners, who account for approximately 98% of Wingstop's total restaurant count of 2,458 as of September 28, 2024.

A key to this business success and consumer fandom stems from The Wingstop Way, which includes a core value system of being Authentic, Entrepreneurial, Service-minded, and Fun. The Wingstop Way extends to the brand's environmental, social and governance platform as Wingstop seeks to provide value to all guests.

In 2024, Wingstop secured a place on Ad Age's 'Hottest Brands' list. The Company also earned a spot as one of QSR Magazine's "Best Brands to Work For" and ranked #14 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 'Franchise 500' as one of the fastest-growing franchises. In 2023, Wingstop earned its "Best Places to Work" certification. 

For more information, visit www.wingstop.com or www.wingstop.com/own-a-wingstop and follow @Wingstop on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Learn more about Wingstop's involvement in its local communities at www.wingstopcharities.org. Unless specifically noted otherwise, references to our website addresses, the website addresses of third parties or other references to online content in this press release do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on such website and should not be considered part of this release.

Media Contact
Brandon Boone
Media@wingstop.com

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SOURCE Wingstop Restaurants Inc.

FAQ

How much will Wingstop (WING) match in donations for California wildfire relief in 2025?

Wingstop will match customer donations dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 through February 15, 2025.

How can customers contribute to Wingstop's (WING) California wildfire relief effort?

Customers can round up their orders to the nearest dollar when purchasing through Wingstop.com or the mobile app, with 100% of contributions going to the Red Cross.

What additional support is Wingstop (WING) providing to California wildfire first responders?

Wingstop is offering free meals to first responders who show their badge and delivering food to local fire stations and medical facilities.

How long will Wingstop's (WING) Red Cross partnership for wildfire relief last?

The partnership and round-up donation program will run for one month, with matching donations continuing through February 15, 2025.