Millennial Entrepreneur Trades Luxury for Labor: Wingstop Co-Founder Returns to Work

Tom Grogan, the millennial cofounder of Wingstop UK, has made a surprising decision after selling a majority stake in the company for £400 million (approximately $532 million). The 34-year-old entrepreneur, who had been enjoying a life of leisure following the sale, has revealed that he has chosen to return to work, citing a sense of boredom and loss of purpose. According to Grogan, who spoke to Fortune, the experience of cashing out his business was not as fulfilling as he had expected. "I thought I'd be on a beach somewhere, sipping margaritas, but it's just not the same," he said. "I felt like I'd lost my sense of purpose, and that's not something I'm comfortable with." Grogan's comments come as a surprise to many, given the significant financial windfall he received from the sale of Wingstop UK. Wingstop UK, a fast-food chain that specializes in chicken wings, was founded by Grogan and his business partner in 2013. The company has since expanded to over 100 locations across the UK, with sales reportedly exceeding £100 million annually. The sale of a majority stake in the company was announced in 2022, with the buyer, a private equity firm, paying a significant premium for the business. Grogan's decision to return to work is not without precedent. Many entrepreneurs who have sold their businesses for significant sums have gone on to start new ventures or pursue other business opportunities. However, Grogan's comments suggest that he is motivated by a desire to regain a sense of purpose and fulfillment, rather than simply seeking to replicate his previous success. Industry experts have noted that Grogan's decision is a reminder that success is not solely defined by financial wealth. "There's a lot more to life than just making money," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a business psychologist who has studied the impact of entrepreneurship on mental health. "Entrepreneurs like Tom Grogan are often driven by a desire to create something meaningful, and when that's taken away, they can feel lost and unfulfilled." As for Grogan, he has already begun exploring new business opportunities, although he has declined to disclose any details. "I'm excited to get back to work and see what the future holds," he said. "I'm not sure what's next, but I'm looking forward to finding out." The current status of Grogan's new venture is unclear, although it is expected to be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, his decision to return to work has sparked a wider conversation about the nature of success and the importance of finding purpose and fulfillment in one's work.