Liverpool’s vibrant food scene has scored an impressive new addition in 2025. Wingstop, the American chicken wing sensation with a cult following, has landed in the heart of Liverpool ONE. The arrival comes as part of the chain’s ambitious UK expansion, sparking genuine buzz across Merseyside. It’s not just another restaurant opening. For many, it’s a much-anticipated answer to social media requests, food reviews, and the ever-growing hunger for distinctive chicken wing flavours.
A Prime Location with Citywide Excitement
The new Wingstop restaurant sits on Lord Street, right in the centre of Liverpool’s bustling retail and dining destination. The branch, occupying a spacious 3,000 square feet, can seat over 50 diners. Its design strikes a balance between bold American style and a modern, comfortable atmosphere—an inviting spot for quick diners and groups of friends alike.
Liverpool’s location was chosen both for its high foot traffic and the city’s love of new culinary experiences. This outlet serves not only those shopping in Liverpool ONE, but also visitors seeking a fresh, flavour-packed meal. This opening marks Wingstop’s entry into Liverpool and the city’s first major food and beverage launch of 2025. Chris Sherriff, Wingstop UK’s CEO, expressed his delight at making this long-awaited debut. He highlighted Liverpool ONE as “the perfect place for us to make our debut in the city”, reflecting the brand’s confidence that Liverpudlians are ready for their signature wings and bold sauces.
Riding the Wave of UK Expansion
Wingstop’s move into Liverpool is set against a backdrop of record UK growth. Since launching its first London site in 2018, Wingstop UK has surged to more than 57 sites, employing over 2,500 staff. In 2024 alone, the chain added 18 new restaurants and opened a 160-seat flagship in Westfield Stratford City, claiming the title of the world’s largest Wingstop. Such rapid progress has not gone unnoticed. Wingstop now ranks among the UK’s fastest-growing restaurant groups, recognised by The Sunday Times and the Financial Times for both sales and growth.
Expansion shows no sign of slowing. Wingstop UK has announced plans to open at least 20 new locations in 2025, with Liverpool ONE among the first wave. This push will create hundreds of jobs while bringing the chain’s distinctive menu to more regions across Britain. Speaking on the company’s future, CEO Chris Sherriff credited the brand’s momentum and staff dedication: “There is huge momentum, and we can’t wait to bring our flavours to more areas across the UK”. The appetite for innovative fast food across the country continues to grow, with Liverpool perfectly positioned in the spotlight.
What’s on the Menu?
The Liverpool branch delivers all the hallmarks that have made Wingstop a favourite around the world. Diners can expect a menu featuring their much-loved classic wings, boneless varieties, crispy tenders, burgers, and loaded fries. Wingstop prides itself on hand-saucing each order, offering a mouth-watering selection of ten bold and unique flavours. Diners can choose from the spicy Atomic to the crowd-pleasing Lemon Pepper and the brand-new Hot Honey Glaze, which debuts this year in the UK.
Sides include seasoned fries, coleslaw, and dips. The menu caters for a range of dietary preferences, and the brand encourages diners to mix and match, fostering a genuinely inclusive, communal eating experience. The Liverpool ONE branch promises not just great food, but a space where customers can enjoy sharing, socialising, and talking all things wings.
Local Reaction and UK Food Scene Trends
Liverpool’s opening has generated excitement both online and in local media. Food critics have highlighted how Wingstop’s strong social media presence and loyal UK customer base paved the way for a successful Merseyside launch. For weeks, posters outside the Lord Street unit teased eager customers, with the official opening date—Monday 14th April—sparking queues and a flurry of first reviews.
This enthusiasm is a sign of broader trends across the UK, where fast-casual chicken chains have witnessed a genuine boom. Wingstop’s expansion has occurred alongside the rise of rivals like Popeyes and newcomers such as Dave’s Hot Chicken. The competitive field reflects changing dining habits, as British customers continue to turn to international chains offering memorable, affordable treats, often in prime, city-centre locations.
Economic Impact and Community Contribution
Wingstop’s foray into Liverpool forms part of a wider economic story. With each site opening, the company creates jobs for local residents and invests in staff training and skills. UK operations, led by franchise partner Lemon Pepper Holdings, ensure that employment opportunities extend from kitchen staff and managers to delivery drivers and support teams. This approach supports not only Liverpool’s economy but also helps enrich the UK’s expanding hospitality sector.
With turnover in the UK growing from £38.1million to £84.6million in a single year, and pre-tax profits swinging from a £2million loss to a £3.5million profit, Wingstop’s success offers a boost to local high streets and British investors alike.
The Voice of the Brand and Future Outlook
Commenting on Liverpool’s much-requested branch, CEO Chris Sherriff praised the dedication of both staff and customers: “The wait is finally over. Our fans in Liverpool have been calling for a Wingstop to land, and we’re so excited to finally make it happen… We can’t wait to bring our bold flavours and signature wings to hungry shoppers, who also get the chance to try our new Hot Honey Glaze flavour”.
Conclusion
Wingstop has landed in Liverpool with more than just hype; it has delivered on anticipation and quality. As trends point to continued growth of “fast-casual” dining across the country, the opening at Liverpool ONE reflects the city’s appetite for global flavours, US-inspired treats, and innovative dining experiences. With hundreds of new jobs, a growing menu, and positive financial results, both locals and the city stand to gain.
Most importantly, for Liverpudlians and visitors alike, Wingstop’s mix of great food, lively atmosphere, and bold branding promises to make its Liverpool outlet a must-visit destination in 2025 and beyond.
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