Why hundreds of Aussies are queuing outside little-known shop: 'Worth the hype'
Hundreds of diners have been queuing outside an unassuming shop in Sydney to be the first in the country to taste the wildly popular menu items.
Wingstop, a US buffalo chicken wing fast food chain, has expanded into Australia, opening its first flagship store in Kings Cross over the weekend.
The chain is best known for its sticky, sweet and spicy wings coated in 12 different flavours, seasoned fries and signature dipping sauces - including ranch and bleu cheese.
Heavy rain and wind didn't deter Aussies, as more than 1,000 customers flocked to the new outlet on opening day on Saturday, with the line stretching down the road and around the corner.
And the crowd on Sunday was no different, with hundreds braving the cold to wait in line - including some who stood in the queue for up to three hours.
One fan, eager to get their hands on the famous wings, camped outside the store from 2am on Saturday - nine hours before the doors opened.
'I have been waiting for weeks for Wingstop to open. I walked past the store three weeks ago and saw the sign and have been hanging out to try it ever since,' the customer said.
'It exceeded my expectations, I'll be coming back again and again, especially for the hot honey.'
A woman who was forth in line had flown all the way from Melbourne just to be part of Wingstop's launch.
Those who were lucky to get a taste of the wings were impressed.
'Got a feed on launch day, despite the wait OMFG it was so worth it. Got the hot honey boneless pieces and lemon pepper boneless. I think I died and went to heaven. Will 100 per cent be coming back on the reg. Staff were legends too,' one raved.
'Best wings ever! Have been waiting forever for wing stop to get to Australia and it did not disappoint. Spicy Korean for the win,' one said.
'My best friend and I waited in the line for 45 minutes but we would have waited all day and night for Wingstop. That first bite of the Mango Habanero boneless wing was heaven - this is going to be a weekly ritual,' another added.
Aussies who tried Wingstop overseas confirmed it tastes just as good Down Under.
'I was so scared that the ranch wasn't going to be as good as the US... but the Aussie one is so much better. The wings are amazing - the ranch dip, the flavours, the tang, the spice! I already have mad cravings for it again. Definitely worth the wait and hype 11/10,' one shared.
'The first time I had Wingstop I was in the US and have been dreaming of it coming here ever since. Louisiana Rub is where it's at! And I can't get enough of their ranch sauce, it's a must try,' another revealed.
'I've been waiting for this for so long. I had Wingstop back in the Philippines. Now it's here in Kings Cross where I live, too. Garlic Parmesan is one of the best. The ranch sauce is a must. Once you order wings, you have to have the sauce,' one added.
The launch in Sydney is just the beginning for Wingstop, with more than 100 locations planned to roll out across Australia in the coming years.
Loved for its classic and boneless wings and tenders - all hand sauced-and-tossed in bold flavours - the brand is set to become a nationwide craving.
The 12 wing flavours include Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Louisiana Rub, Spicy Korean Q, Mild, Hot Honey Rub, Cajun, OG and Mango Habanero, with Atomic taking the hottest spot.
The menu features signature sides including fresh-cut, seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips.
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