The chicken restaurant chain Wingstop plans to open 15 new restaurants this year, creating up to 750 jobs.

The UK franchise of the US hotel brand said the ambitious growth plan would represent the strongest year of expansion since its launch in the country in 2018.

Lemon Pepper Holdings, the master franchisee of Wingstop UK, has confirmed nine locations where it will open new restaurants this year.

Wingstop UK will open new locations in Hounslow, Clapham High Street, Watford, Croydon Valley Retail Park, Wood Green, Lakeside Shopping Centre, Westfield Stratford City, Merry Hill Dudley and a second location in Leeds.

Negotiations have been held for six additional, as yet unnamed locations; these locations are also expected to open in 2024.

The company said the new fast-food restaurants would be located in a variety of locations, including downtown stores, retail parks and shopping centers.

The brand, which prepares chicken wings, tenders, burgers and sides to order, now operates 39 locations in the UK and employs 1,600 people.

Tom Grogan, co-founder of Lemon Pepper Holdings, said: “2024 will be our fastest growing year ever.

“We are proud to open across the country and create up to 750 new jobs.

“In just five short years as a company, we have definitely made a name for ourselves, offering the best tasting wings in the industry as well as an authentic and personalized dining experience.

“The momentum is huge and we are only just getting started. We can’t wait for more people in the UK to try our delicious food.”

It is one of many US brands whose franchises have grown rapidly in the UK in recent years.

Fried chicken maker Popeyes announced earlier this week its plans to open more than 30 new locations this year, creating around 2,000 jobs.