Wingstop Set to Open Friday

Richard Johnson has been in the restaurant business his whole adult life.  He started out at McDonald’s and then worked his way all the way up to owner.

Now, he’s branching out.

On Nov. 1, Wingstop opens at 6024 Ridge Ave., in Roxborough.

“It’s a good product,” Johnson said.  “It’s a good concept.”

The restaurant was supposed to open numerous times over the last few months, but Johnson posted this on his Facebook page on Monday:

"The Time has arrived! Wingstop Roxborough opening Friday November 1, 2013. Come and see the new restaurant and get some Wings!"

Wingstop belongs to the family of casual dining experience that’s growing more and more popular--restaurants that emphasize both speed and quality. 

What Chipotle did for burritos and Five Guys did for burgers, Wingstop hopes to do for chicken.

Johnson also owns a Primo Hoagies franchise in Conshohocken. 

As the name implies, Wingstop will feature chicken wings, but there will also be French fries, chicken sandwiches and chicken strips.

“We also have a number of sauces,” Johnson said.  “All of the sauces as well as the chicken are prepared fresh on site.”

The Roxborough Wingstop will also be the first in the country to feature wait-staff.

“People will come into the restaurant, and they will be seated.  A waiter or waitress will take their order, and it will be brought to them,” Johnson said.  “Everyone will eat off of washable dinnerware.”

Johnson added, “I run a tight ship.  There will be no trash in the lobby, and the staff will make sure everything is clean.”

Wingstop has more than 500 franchises across the United States and Mexico, according to its website.

Its hours will be from 10 a.m. to midnight.