Here's why Wingstop loses to chicken wings newcomer Popeyes.

The new chicken wings at Popeyes pack a lot of heat.



Nancy Luna/Business Insider

I know. I'm just as astounded as you are. I really came into this battle thinking Wingstop would win this chicken wing battle by a landslide.

Instead, it was a near sweep by Popeyes. Their wings are meaty, crispy flavor bombs ready to spark another chicken war.

Still, there's no denying Wingstop is a pro at chicken wings. When I visited on a Friday night, the place was hopping. A dozen employees were working, taking orders, frying wings, tossing wings in sauce, expediting delivery orders, and cleaning tables.

The chain is a well-oiled machine.

But, Popeyes is a mighty newcomer in the chicken wings space, and Wingstop should be worried.

Popeyes is a well-known brand with 3,000 restaurants in the US. It is owned by Restaurant Brands International, the parent of Burger King. RBI is investing heavily in improving operations at Popeyes, and leaning into the chain's spicy-infused fried-chicken menu.

Popeyes is on a roll. This year, Popeyes became the No. 2 fried-chicken player in the US, leapfrogging over KFC. Popeyes is fearless about entering a new category dominated by others. They proved that with their chicken sandwich.

I can't wait for the social media slingshots to begin as Popeyes' wings gain more traction among fast food eaters.

Are you a fast-food insider with insight to share? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via email at nluna.com or via Signal encrypted at 714-875-6218.