Rochester’s Wingstop Is Ready for Its Grand Opening

Ever since we reported back in May that Wingstop was moving into the old GameStop space across from Target North, local chicken wing fans have been buzzing with excitement.

I had never eaten at Wingstop, but I've seen countless ads during football games, and I know they have a great reputation for serving quality food. So, I stopped by the new location today to check out the setup, talk with the crew, and get a taste of what’s coming.

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The Wingstop legacy goes back to 1994, when Antonio Swad and Bernadette Fiaschetti opened a tiny chicken shop in Garland, Texas. They started franchising by 1997, and today the chain operates nearly 3,000 locations worldwide.

Troy Dunken TSM Rochester

Part of what sets them apart in a crowded market is their commitment to freshness. Their wings are fresh, never frozen, and strictly cooked to order.

Wingstop Opening at 3780 Marketplace Drive NW in Rochester

When I walked up to the door today at 3780 Marketplace Drive NW, I was immediately greeted by a friendly employee who invited me inside. The crew was in the middle of their "friends and family" soft launch which is a final test run to make sure everything runs smoothly when they open to the public.

Troy Dunken TSM Rochester

The staff was having fun, but I could tell right away that they were locked in and excited for the massive rush that’s coming on opening day.

I was invited to sample some of the food, an offer I was definitely not going to turn down. Since I’ve actually never had Wingstop before, I wasn't entirely sure what to order because they have 12 flavors to choose from. I ended up going with the Cajun wings and Voodoo fries.

Troy Dunken TSM Rochester

I was not disappointed. There was a generous amount of meat on the bone, and the flavor packed a solid punch.

When Does Wingstop Open in Rochester?

Wingstop has more than two dozen locations in Minnesota, most in the Twin Cities area, but the wait in Rochester is finally over. The doors open to the public on Wednesday, October 28th at 10:30 AM. The Rocester Wingstop already has 30 staff members on board and they are still hiring.