Full Breakdown
Wingstop Teams with Sour Patch Kids for a Limited-Time Halloween Wing Flavor
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Launch Details
On October 13, 2026, Wingstop announced a partnership with the Sour Patch Kids candy brand to create Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch – a wing glazed with a sour-then-sweet red-berry sauce and topped with finely chopped Sour Patch Kids “Bitz.” The flavor will be offered on all protein options. Early access is slated for Club Wingstop members on October 23, 2026, with a nationwide rollout on October 27, 2026. The item will be removed from menus after November 5, 2026.
Background & Context
Wingstop, founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, has pursued aggressive expansion, adding 382 new locations in 2025 and reaching 3,056 restaurants worldwide by the end of fiscal 2025. The chain frequently introduces seasonal items, and the Halloween period has become a focal point for experimental menu drops. The Wicked Punch flavor is positioned as the first component of Sour Patch Kids’ “13 Days of Mischief” Halloween campaign, which began on October 19, 2026.
Data & Statistics
- Launch timeline: Oct 13 (announcement) -> Oct 23 2026 (Club member preview) -> Oct 27 2026 (nationwide) -> Nov 5 2026 (end of availability).
- Restaurant footprint: >3,000 U.S. locations; ~98 % owned by franchise partners.
- System-wide sales: Over $5 billion in fiscal 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Both companies highlight the partnership as a “playful and surprising” crossover aimed at Halloween-season consumers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Candy on wings? We know exactly what you’re thinking. But no, seriously, it has no business being this good,” — Michael Skipworth, president and CEO of Wingstop
- “This year, the Sour Patch Kids brand decided candy wasn’t enough,” — Lauryn McDonough, senior director of candy at Mondelez International
- “For the SOUR PATCH KIDS brand, Halloween usually means owning the candy bowl. This year, the SOUR PATCH KIDS brand decided candy wasn’t enough,” — Lauryn McDonough, senior director of candy at Mondelez International
Why It Matters
The launch illustrates how fast-food chains are leveraging cross-brand collaborations to generate buzz during holiday periods. By embedding a recognizable candy into a savory product, Wingstop seeks to attract both wing enthusiasts and confectionery fans, potentially boosting traffic during a traditionally high-spend season. The limited-time nature creates urgency, encouraging early-order behavior through the Wingstop app and website.
What’s Next
Consumers can order the Wicked Punch wings through the Wingstop app or Wingstop.com from October 27 until November 5, 2026, while supplies last. After that date, the flavor will be removed from menus, concluding the Halloween-season promotion.
