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Wingstop, Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEOs do an atomic-wing throwdown

Charles Watson and Charlie Morrison turn LinkedIn conversation into a multi-sensory experience, and donations ensue

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

April 19, 2021

What started as a LinkedIn conversation last week turned into a CEO-level atomic-wing-eating throwdown.

Charles Watson, CEO of Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe, challenged Charlie Morrison, CEO of Dallas-based Wingstop Inc., to an atomic wing-eating contest, deciding who could consume the most spiced wings in a minute.

The executives agreed the losing CEO would make a $10,000 donation to the winner’s charity of choice.

The score: Morrison prevailed, consuming five atomic wings to Watson’s four.

Watson made a $10,000 donation to Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep in Fort Worth, Texas, and Morrison matched the donation, giving $10,000 to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, which helps families affected by life-threatening childhood illnesses.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines.

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing.

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter: @RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

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