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Fast-casual chicken chain Wingstop is adding another spot in New Jersey.

After signing a lease for a 1,848-square-foot space at Rutgers Plaza in Franklin Township, the brand expects to open this summer, according to property leasing and managing agent Levin Management Corp.

Founded in 1994, Texas-based Wingstop specializes in cooked-to-order, hand-sauced chicken wings, tenders and sandwiches. Its menu of classic and boneless wings are available in a dozen flavors, such as Cajun, hot, Hawaiian, garlic parmesan, hickory smoked barbecue and mango habanero.

The aviation-themed chain’s global footprint of more than 3,000 stores includes 50-plus outposts in New Jersey.

As part of a broader expansion effort, the franchise aims to hit 10,000 locations worldwide but has not set a timeline for hitting that target.

The nearly 500 restaurants that opened last year included several local sites, such as Marlton, Voorhees, West Windsor and Middle Township. Wingstop is also working to open at The Plaza Center in Secaucus.

Spreading its wings

At Rutgers Plaza, fellow tenants at the 268,000-square-foot shopping center include Stop & Shop, Crunch Fitness, Dollar Tree, Chase Bank, GNC, McDonald’s and Venus Jewelers.

The center will soon welcome entertainment destination Bounce Air Adventure Park, too. LMC Chief Executive Officer Matthew Harding noted that restaurants and experiential concepts “remain among the most active categories in retail leasing.”

Rutgers Plaza:

“We’re seeing that play out directly in our portfolio. Fast-casual operators in particular are targeting high-traffic suburban centers where daily-needs anchors drive consistent foot traffic – and Rutgers Plaza fits that profile well,” he said.

Harding went on to add that his North Plainfield-based firm has completed multiple Wingstop transactions across the Northeast. Those properties include Morrell Plaza in Philadelphia, Capital Plaza in Ewing Township and Union City Plaza in Union City, an LMC spokesperson said.

Harding called the latest lease in Franklin Township “a natural extension of that relationship,”

LMC leasing representative Ed Vasconcellos described Wingstop as “a great addition” to the lineup at Rutgers Plaza.

“The brand has strong consumer recognition and delivers exactly what today’s diners are looking for — quality, value, and convenience. That’s a win for the center and for the community it serves,” he said.