DALLAS — The Wingstop chain of restaurants announced positive comparable store sales for the 25th consecutive quarter. In its most recent third quarter, Wingstop reported a 1.6% increase and is up 3.8% for the year.

The company predicts the positive trend to continue into the fourth quarter, when sales are typically the strongest due to the popularity of wings during the football and holiday seasons.

"In this economy, guests are looking for greater value when dining out," said James A. Flynn, president and chief executive officer of Wingstop. "As a fast-casual chain, Wingstop offers convenient carryout service, and family packs and platters to serve a large crowd, but still engages guests in strong customer service and quality. That translates into a solid business and positive sales."

Sixty-eight percent of operators reported a same-store sales decline in August, according to the Restaurant Performance Index, but even in these recessionary times Wingstop continued to perform and experience positive sales systemwide, the company said.

"This news is strong evidence that limited-service chains continue to deliver value during a difficult economic climate," said Darren Tristano, executive vice-president of Technomic Inc., a Chicago-based industry research firm. "In addition, fast-casual restaurant chains that provide high levels of customer experience and products with high demand will continue to exploit pockets of opportunity in a down market."

Wingstop has 425 restaurants open in 34 states, and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.