Does Wingstop Take EBT Card or Food Stamp/Snap Payment – Food is a vital part of our life. The SNAP or EBT initiative has made it a lot easier for millions of Americans to access healthy and nutritious food and avoid hunger. Even though the typical SNAP program restricts the use of EBT benefits for the purchase of hot prepared meals USDA has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program to assist certain groups of beneficiaries who are unable to purchase meals themselves. This initiative has enabled a few beneficiaries to access hot-prepared meals from participating restaurants.
However, not all restaurants are accepting EBT and only a few states have widened their SNAP EBT to include fast-food restaurants. A lot of SNAP recipients who enjoy meals from the famous chicken wings joint wings often wonder whether they can use their EBT benefits here. In this comprehensive guide we will provide an overview of the most frequently asked question: “Does Wingstop take EBT” and will help you to know the pertaining details about EBT and Wingstop.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Wingstop does not accept EBT or food stamps for any purchases.
- The restaurant is not enrolled in the USDA Restaurant Meals Program.
- SNAP recipients can use EBT at alternate fast-food chains in participating states.
What Is Wingstop?
Wingstop is a renowned American International chain of restaurants that serves chicken wings founded in 1994 in Texas, United States. It is a one-stop destination for enjoying chicken wings, soft drinks, french fries and chicken tenders. The restaurant began providing franchises in 1997 and as of 2022, the restaurant has more than 1400 store locations. Customers can enjoy a wide range of chicken products like wings with sauces, sandwiches, wings and so on.
Following is the list of areas that Wingstop serves across the globe:
- Canada
- France
- Indonesia
- Saudi Arabia
- Mexico
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- United Arab Emirates
- Spain
- United States.
Following is the list of Wingstop menu items: Chicken sandwiches, wing combos, wings by pieces, wing group packs, Wingstop tenders, sides, drinks, dips and flavors, and desserts.
How Many Wingstop Restaurants Are Present In The United States Of America?
As of February 21, 2024, there are a total of 1977 Wingstop store locations in 46 States and territories and 1125 U.S. cities. The U.S state and territory with the most number of Wingstop restaurants in America is Texas with approximately 447 restaurants and this accounts for 23% of the entire Wingstop restaurants in America.
Let’s take a look at the top ten states and territories with a maximum number of Wingstop restaurants.
- Texas– 447 or 23% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- California– 382 or 19% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- Florida– 128 or 6% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- Illinois– 120 or 6% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- Georgia- 56 or 3% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- New York– 55 or 3% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- Arizona– 50 or 3% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- Ohio– 49 or 2% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- Colorado– 47 or 2% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
- North Carolina– 41 or 2% of the U.S Wingstop restaurants.
States and territories without any Wingstop restaurants in America are: Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Vermont, Maine, American Samoa, Montana, Rhode Island, Northern Mariana Island, North Dakota and the U.S Virgin Islands.
Cities with the most number of Wingstop restaurants in America are: Houston, Chicago, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Philadelphia, El Paso and Fort Worth.
Does WingStop Accept EBT or Food Stamp Benefits?
Unfortunately, Wingstop is not accepting EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer payments from SNAP beneficiaries at any of its store locations. Not all fast food restaurants accept EBT and Wingstop is one of them. The Wingstop corporate office has confirmed that they do not accept EBT as it is not enrolled in the USDA’s Restaurant Meals Program.
Even customers have reported that they are unable to use their food stamp benefits for any Wingstop orders. While a lot of food restaurants are enabling elderly, homeless and disabled SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared meals using their EBT benefits, Wingstop is not included in this list.
No matter whether you’re visiting a Wingstop store near you or ordering food online you will not be able to use your EBT benefits here. It is critical to know the payment policies that are accepted by the fast food restaurant before trying to order. This is especially true for SNAP recipients who are about to use their EBT benefits to purchase meals. Knowing the different payment options that are available with the restaurant will help you to save time as well as avoid embarrassment or guest work.
Read about the list of fast food places that are accepting EBT in California through RMP in our next guide.
Understanding The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program And Its Eligibility Criteria
The SNAP EBT is a system for federal government programs like SNAP, WIC or TANF. The government gives out benefits using an EBT card instead of PayPal coupons and enables recipients to cover food and other essentials. The USDA expanded the SNAP EBT program in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program that enables elderly, disabled and homeless recipients to purchase hot prepared meals using EBT benefits.
Eligibility Criteria To Purchase Restaurant Meals Using EBT Benefits
Not everyone can be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program. SNAP recipients must be certified for the program in a state that is approved for RMP and must fulfill the following criteria.
- Must be an elderly person of at least 60 years or above in age
- Must be disabled and receiving disability or blindness payments or retirement benefits
- Must be a homeless resident with no permanent nighttime residence
- Must be a spouse of a SNAP recipient who was also eligible for RMP.
- Must be residing in a state that is eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program such as Arizona, California, Illinois (David, Cook and Franklin counties), Maryland, Michigan and Rhode Island.
RMP Enrolled States That Accept EBT Benefits For Hot Prepared Meals
It is important to note that not every state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program. Till now only seven states have applied for it while the other three are pending or under construction. These include the following:
- Arizona: More than 670 fast food chains in Arizona accept EBT from SNAP recipients.
- Alabama: Only a few participating locations and fast-food chains accept EBT in Alabama. Read them in detail in our next guide.
- California: California has the most robust and largest Restaurant Meals Program and a lot of fast food chains in California are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Georgia: A few restaurants take EBT in Georgia and help SNAP recipients to access hot prepared meals.
- Hawaii: Only select Hawaii cities are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries to help elderly, homeless and disabled recipients access hot prepared meals.
- Michigan: A lot of fast-food restaurants in Michigan are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Maryland: Only one or two restaurants in select Maryland cities accept EBT for restaurant meals from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Virginia: The Restaurant Meals Program has been implemented in Virginia recently and only subway restaurants in Virginia accept EBT payments.
- Missouri: Only a handful of Missouri fast-food restaurants are accepting EBT or will be soon accepting EBT once they get authorized by USDA.
- Massachusetts: A lot of restaurants in Massachusetts are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries statewide.
- Illinois: Illinois has enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program in 2020 and only a handful of Cook or Franklin counties throughout the state accept EBT for restaurant meals in Illinois.
- Rhode Island– Subway and Federal Hill Pizza are the restaurants that accept EBT in Rhode Island.
Which Payment Methods Does Wingstop Accept?
Wingstop accepts various payment methods outside of EBT payments to provide convenience and flexibility to its customers. Let’s take a look at the following accepted payment methods that you can use at Wingstop to enjoy their hot prepared meals.
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Mobile payment methods like Google Wallet and Apple Pay
Wingstop restaurant reserves the right to modify its payment policy at any time. Even though they are not accepting SNAP benefits as a payment method for any of their menu items they may accept EBT payments in the future if it gets authorization from the USDA or if it is willing to enroll in the RMP program and go through the stringent eligibility criteria.
Moreover, Wingstop gift cards can be purchased in-store or online. Customers must check with their neighboring Wingstop location to know the accepted payment method. Before heading to the restaurant check their website or contact their customer service line to save you time and trouble during the payment procedure.
Do you know which fast-food chains in Kentucky accept EBT? Find them out in our next guide.
How To Find EBT-Accepting Fast Food Chains Near You?
EBT or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards are used to distribute government benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance programs and Women, Infants and Children.
Fortunately a lot of eateries and fast food chains are accepting EBT cards and providing a plethora of choices for SNAP recipients to dine out. In this section, we will explore the factors that will help you to locate EBT-accepting fast food chains or restaurants near you.
1. Using EBT Locator Tool
The online EBT locator tool is an amazing resource for SNAP recipients that helps them to find places including fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT payments. You just need to enter your city, state or zip code and select restaurants from the drop-down menu.
The online locator tool will show you all the accepting restaurants and fast food chains near you. You can search for a particular restaurant with the help of the search bar. To ensure the store or restaurant that you’re considering accepts EBT you must contact them before heading to it.
2. Use USDA’s Food And Distribution Service Official Website
Another great resource to find EBT-accepting fast food restaurants near you is the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Website. The USDA SNAP Retailer Locator will help you get a comprehensive list of retailers as well as fast food restaurants that accept payments.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to find a fast-food restaurant near you.
- Visit the USDA Food and Distribution website and select the option “Find meals for kids when schools are closed”
- Enter your state of residence and choose the ‘Submit’ option
- Choose ‘Show Filters and Pick Meal Service Type’
- Choose the box next to the Restaurant Meals Program to filter results for EBT-friendly fast-food restaurants
- Enter your zip code to locate restaurants close by.
3. Contact The Restaurant Directly
Discovering fast-food restaurants near local areas that accept EBT payments can be challenging. You can contact the restaurant store directly to confirm the acceptance policy.
For this, you need to first create a list of eateries that you are considering, look up their contact numbers online or in a directory and call to ask about the acceptance policies. You can also ask if any menu or restrictions are available for purchase.
List of Fast-Food Restaurants That Accept EBT
EBT recipients cannot enjoy delectable chicken wings at Wingstop restaurants. In the below section, we have covered a list of alternate fast food chains or restaurants that embrace EBT payments and help SNAP recipients enjoy hot delicious meals with their EBT card.
Burger King
Burger King is a leading example among fast food chains. Burger King accepts EBT in 112 locations across Arizona and California. Burger King restaurant sells flame-grilled burgers, sandwiches, iconic whopper, salads, fries, onion rings and many other flavorful items.
Popeyes
The fast food chain Popeye’s specializes in serving Louisiana-style fried chicken along with seafood. The restaurant is popular for its crispy and flavorful chicken and signature sides such as rice and red beans. Their menu also features sandwiches, seafood dishes and tenders.
Dairy Queen
If you love desserts or ice cream then you can use your EBT for certain food items at Dairy Queen locations. However, you need to ensure you are situated in RMP-approved California counties to use your EBT card at this restaurant chain.
Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza is one of the famous fast-food chains that offers delectable pizza, pasta, chicken wings, desserts and sandwiches. EBT recipients who are pizza lovers can utilize their EBT benefits as a method of payment in 62 Domino’s locations in California.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is one more beloved pizza chain in America with 4000 + locations throughout the country. The restaurant chain was founded by a couple named Mike and Marian. Only a few locations in California located in San Diego accept SNAP or EBT benefits. Little Caesars menu comprises a variety of chicken items.
McDonald’s
Nearly 194 McDonald’s restaurants are accepting EBT in RMP-enrolled states. McDonald’s is a popular fast food chain that serves Quarter Pounder, Big Macs, Chicken Nuggets and a variety of sandwiches, burgers, deserts, salads, fries and breakfast items.
Jack-In-The-Box
The fast food chain Jack-In-The-Box serves a wide array of food including tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches and breakfast items. Around 588 Jack-In-The-box locations in California and Arizona accept EBT payments.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s is a renowned pizza delivery and takeout chain that is known for its commitment to offering delicious pizza with quality ingredients. The restaurant chain provides a diverse menu of pizza styles like pepperoni pizza, and specialty pizza to cater to all customers. Papa John’s accepts EBT in California.
Papa Murphy’s
The take-and-bake pizza chain Papa Murphy’s accepts food stamps or EBT payments. Customers can choose from a variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients and toppings to customize their pizzas and bake at home. Almost all Papa Murphy locations are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries.
EL Pollo Loco
El Pollo loco is an amazing choice among Americans since it provides healthier fast food choices, unlike those stores. The chain serves fire-grilled chicken, family dinners with chicken and sides like beans, broccoli and rice. They also serve burritos, chicken tacos, and nachos. Nearly 220 EL Pollo Loco stores are accepting EBT as a method of payment through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.
Denny’s
The family-friendly dinner chain Denny’s serves 24/ 7 service and offers a wide array of breakfast menus comprising pancakes, breakfast skillets, omelets, sandwiches, burgers, dinner entrees etc. Nearly 49 Denny’s locations accept EBT payments.
Wendy’s
The well-known fast food chain Wendy’s is accepting EBT payments. They provide a wide array of chicken sandwiches, burgers, sides and salads. The strength of the chain lies in its fresh, high-quality never-frozen beef and its commitment to offering high-quality ingredients. Around 86 Wendy’s locations are accepting EBT benefits.
Del Taco
The fast food restaurant combines Mexican and American flavors and specializes in serving tacos, burritos, classic Del Combo and quesadillas. If you want to enjoy burgers, fries and various other Mexican-inspired dishes with your EBT card. You must make sure you’re sitting in California and enrolled in the CalFresh RMP program. Around 140 Del Taco locations in California accept EBT payments.
Subway
Subway accepts EBT payments and provides subs, wraps, salads and many other dishes for customers to choose from. The strength of the restaurant lies in its freshly baked bread and you can choose from a variety of meats or vegetables and sauces. Nearly 709 Subway locations are accepting EBT in RMP-approved states.
Pizza Hut
The most loved pizza chain restaurant Pizza Hut accepts EBT payments in select locations and provides a wide array of pizzas including specialty and classic options. The strength of the restaurant lies in its extensive menu which enables customers to choose their toppings, flavors and crust types. These also offer wings, pasta, desserts and many other items to cater to all customers. Around 227 restaurants of Pizza Hut accept EBT.
Waba Grill
Waba Grill provides a diverse menu featuring tofu bowls, chicken, steak, a variety of tasty sauces, and fresh vegetables. There are nearly 15 Waba Grill restaurants in California that accept EBT, and most of them are located in Orange County.
Tam’s Burger
Tam’s Burger participates in the California Restaurants Meals Program and serves satisfying and healthy burgers with several classic American dishes, such as sandwiches and hot dogs. You can get affordable and delicious items from this restaurant. Around 18 Tam’s Burger restaurants are participating in the RMP.
This is not an exhaustive list as various fast-food restaurants are accepting EBT payments in America. Read them in detail in our next blog.
Where Else Is EBT Accepted?
Besides authorized fast food chains and restaurants, a lot of grocery stores, supermarkets, local co-ops and farmers markets across the United States of America are accepting EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries.
Most of the eateries and fast food restaurants are not RMP enrolled and do not accept EBT payments since the objective of the SNAP program is to provide healthy and nutritious food that does not cover hot prepared meals.
Restaurants or local eateries serve food that is ready to eat and hot at the time of sale so it is difficult to track and verify EBT use. Following are the places that accept EBT and that are available throughout the country:
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Online Retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart etc.
- Gas stations with attached food stores
- Farmers Markets
- Food delivery services
- Fast food restaurants.
Read about the list of restaurants that accept EBT payments in Arkansas in our next guide.
Conclusion
Wingstop, the renowned restaurant for serving mouth-watering chicken wings in various flavors holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. No matter whether you are fond of classic buffalo wings or wish to enjoy the boldness of atomic wings this restaurant will provide you with a diverse menu option that caters to everyone. Unfortunately, Wingstop is not accepting EBT as a method of payment at any of its store locations. This is because the restaurant chain is not enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program by USDA that facilitates access to hot prepared meals for individuals with EBT benefits at select locations. Nevertheless, our guide has provided a list of alternate fast food chains and restaurants where you can enjoy hot prepared meals with your EBT benefits provided you are living in one of the participating locations. By embracing EBT payments these restaurants enhance the convenience of a lot of SNAP recipients.
Our comprehensive guide at Get Government Grants will help you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. Head over to our blog section today to improve the financial situation of your family. We are passionate about helping people find relevant answers to their questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Restaurants Accept EBT In California?
The CalFresh RMP program enables SNAP recipients to use their Golden State advantage card to purchase hot prepared meals from various restaurants like Fat Burger, Carl’s Junior, El Pollo Loco, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Dennis, El Pollo Loco, Subway, McDonald’s, Jamba Juice to name a few.
Which Payment Methods Does Wingstop Accept?
Wingstop stores accept different forms of payment from customers including Samsung PPE, Google Pay, Apple Pay, credit card, debit card and cash. It is important to note that not all Wingstop store locations accept Apple Pay.
Can You Pay With Cash In Wingstop?
Those who prefer to pay with cash at Wingstop restaurant must note that not all locations of the restaurant accept cash payments. A few locations are completely cashless which means you need to pay.