What would you do if you had a six-figure salary? Maybe you’ll never cook again or indulge in monthly Thai massages and Soho House memberships to relieve the stress that comes with competing at the top level.
In The Good Life, you no longer have to imagine what life at the top is like: get real-life inspiration and learn how the most successful people live.
today wealth Met Wingstop’s UK chief executive, London-based Tom Grogan, 34.
If you live in the United States (or are on TikTok), you’ve undoubtedly heard of the popular American fast-food chain.
The company was founded in Texas in 1994, and by 2002 the brand claimed to have served 2 million wings.
2,000,000
Wingstop’s wing numbers have only been in service for eight years.
Now, thanks to a cold email sent to the company’s news inbox five years ago, Grogan (along with his three co-founders) is bringing the chain to the UK, where the brand’s various flavours Chicken wings have spread across the ocean.
On TikTok, Wingstop UK already has more fans than legendary fried chicken company KFC; demand is so high that Wingstop now has 47 outlets and more than 2,000 employees, with plans to open 100 stores over the next five years to meet Demand; it is ranked among the top 10 most popular restaurants in the entire Kingdom on Deliveroo and is currently one of the fastest growing restaurants in the country.
This interview has been edited for brevity.
Financial status
wealth: What’s the best investment you’ve ever bought?
Tom Grogan: My flat in Hampstead Heath was my best investment. Its value has increased by approximately 30% in the past five years, mainly through quality purchases and elegant renovations.
Worst?
Honestly, nothing disastrous so far!
Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
How do you get to work?
It’s a 45-minute walk from my apartment, or on a busy day, I’ll take an Uber.
Do you bring a wallet?
Cardholder or Apple Pay.
Joe Hale—Redferns/Getty
What personal finance advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
If I were giving personal finance advice to my 20-year-old self, I would emphasize that saving money alone is not enough to build a lot of wealth because it often doesn’t keep up with inflation. Rather, the real key to wealth is creating and building something of value, such as a business or product. Consider solving a problem or filling a need in a market you’re passionate about. The potential financial rewards from ownership and capital gains far exceed the money you can save from your paycheck.
What’s the one subscription you can’t live without?
Spotify – My favorite artists at the moment are Mind Against, Dave and Benny Banks.
Mike Camp – Photo/Getty Images
Where is your preferred viewing location?
Audemars Piguet.
The real key to wealth is creating and building something of value, such as a business or product.
What is your work wardrobe?
For my work attire, Suitsupply and Boggi are both great. M&S men’s knitwear is also bulletproof. My favorite brands include Goyard, Berluti and Loro Piana as they all have a long tradition and make high quality products.
necessity
How do you drink your coffee every day?
I’m a huge fan of coffee and drink two to three cups of black coffee (or double espresso) throughout the day. I usually skip breakfast, but when I do I always have something light. Grind makes great tasting coffee and thankfully we have one close to our offices in Mayfair. We had a Sage coffee machine in our old office that looked great but was terrible. We now use a Nespresso coffee machine, which is much more convenient!
Frederick J. Brown—AFP/Getty Images
How about eating while walking?
I tend to meal prep or buy food for the day from my local gym, Third Space, which usually costs around £20 ($25.30) per day. For food on the go, my favorites include Leon, Salad Project, and of course Wingstop! My top pick is the Eight Boneless Korean Spicy Chips – you need to try the new Voodoo Chips! For a more sit-down lunch, Cecconis or Delfino in Mayfair are always a good choice.
Provided by Wing Stop
Provided by Wing Stop
Where do you buy groceries?
M&S Food and Waitrose. I rarely go out to eat unless it’s business or work related.
What’s the cost of being freed from a high-level job?
I found that giving up alcohol and going to the gym regularly six times a week really helped me relax and cope with the challenges that running a high growth business can bring – I would recommend it to anyone. Walking around Hampstead Heath with headphones on at the weekend is a weekly occurrence.
hospitality
Are you the proud owner of Meta smart glasses or other futuristic gadgets?
Nothing too futuristic, but I can’t live without my Airpods!
Valentin Floro—Bloomberg/Getty Images
What’s the best reward you’ve ever bought yourself?
I’d say the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver is probably the best treat. I wanted to buy a nice car this year; however, I chose wisely and paid off part of my mortgage, which I’m very grateful for now that interest rates have come down!
amalfi coast italy
Marco Bottigelli—Getty Images
Take us on vacation, what’s next on your vacation list?
Over the past few years, I haven’t been able to really disconnect from work or take a proper vacation – personally, I find it difficult to relax away from work or the office for too long. That said, I love the South of France, my business partner recently hosted us in Antibes, and I will definitely be looking forward to returning this year for a long weekend. The Amalfi Coast is on my bucket list so I will be taking some time to visit there in the next few years.
In The Good Life, you no longer have to imagine what life at the top is like: get real-life inspiration and learn how the most successful people live.
Fortune Magazine wants to hear what European leaders have to say about their “good life.” Contact us: orianna.royle@fortune.com
