Eat Local: Wingstop

Nestled between Tubby’s Chili Parlor and Spanish grocery stores in the Cooper Center Shopping Center, an otherwise nondescript wing joint is a contender in Northern Virginia Magazine’s Chicken Wing Wars.

Thanks to their loyal fans and customers. Wingstop has made it through two rounds and faces off against Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in the third round of the competition.  If they win this round, they will be in the final round and could be crowned King of the Wings.

Voting will take place tomorrow from 9 a.m. until 8 a.m. Saturday.

What puts Wingstop ahead of the game? Fresh ingredients and a "Cheers-like atmosphere," says owner Kevin Lowry.

Lowry is committed to ensuring that the freshest product is served in his restaurant. He uses fresh vegetables for the vegetable sticks, fresh beans for the bourbon baked beans, and uses wings with 100% white meat and trans-fat free shortening, a fact that he is very proud of.

The main attraction for customers is the wings (preferably hot, hickory smoked bbq, and lemon pepper), but the fresh-cut fries come in as a close second. 

Said Lowry, “I have people here who come here just for the fries.”

Wingstop sells party packs for large Super Bowl parties, and also sells smaller lunch value meals serving one or two people. According to Lowry, business really picks up during football season, especially on Super Bowl Sunday.

Wingstop is notorious for its beer selection, and Lowry always makes sure to include two seasonal brews on tap. This month’s featured beers are Twinstop Lager and Millennium Ale from Old Dominion Brewery.

Although it has been in business since 2002, Wingstop is undergoing some minor renovations at press time. Lowry has just installed a new menu board and will install new lights, upgrade the fryers, and replace the tabletops. 

Lowry describes his staff "like family". He hires students from Mount Vernon High School, West Potomac High School, and Hayfield High School. His manager, Karla, has worked for Lowry for five-and-a-half years. Regular customers are greeted by name and sometimes sit with Lowry and chat for a while over a cold one.

Be sure to add them on Facebook by searching for “Wingstop Alexandria” and sending a friend request.