In 2015, Kirk Jeter and his family moved from Atlanta to Raleigh, North Carolina to open their first Wingstop. Under a 10-restaurant development agreement in eastern North Carolina, they now operate three locations and have three additional under construction that are set to open in 2020. Kirk describes his business as family-oriented and says it’s a huge part of his kids’ lives.
"Even though we work a lot, it doesn't really feel like work because we enjoy it so much. We love the people, the leadership, and the brand, so it’s been a great experience for us."
What made you want to become a brand partner?
It was love at first sight. Wingstop has been a dream come true for us. From the very first time we walked into the Discovery Day visit at the corporate office in Dallas, it felt like home. It was truly an authentic experience – everyone was so warm, genuine and approachable. We could immediately tell that it was family-oriented, and we knew this was the place for us. The business model is also beyond incredible!
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a brand partner?
We love the brand, the food, and the vibe of the people. Being a brand partner has allowed us to work with some of the best in the industry and has truly given us the opportunity to make a difference in the community and the lives of our team members.
In addition, we get to do this as a family. My daughter is in high school and my son is in college, but they’re both with us on the weekends working in the restaurant. They love it – they actually love it. It’s been great seeing them develop into phenomenal Wingstop team members.
Do you have any tips for small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Keep an optimistic outlook…this will pass!
- Maintain a calming presence with your team and with guests.
- Create a culture centered around cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
- Celebrate your teams – they are the foundation of success!
Do you have any tips for people looking to start a business?
Pick something that you like, and make sure it doesn’t feel like a strenuous job. Even though we work a lot, it doesn’t really feel like work because we enjoy it so much. We love the people, the leadership, and the brand, so it’s been a great experience for us.
If you’re curious about becoming a brand partner with Wingstop, please visit wingstop.com/own-a-wingstop for more information.
