Rick Ross was presented with the key to Memphis, Tenn. by Mayor A C Wharton during a grand opening of a new Wingstop in the city. The budding franchiser hosted the event. 

"It is most definitely an exciting time for me and what I like to call the 'Boss Wings' team' when we open a new Wingstop," said Ross. "Not only is it growth for us, we know that it is also growth for the community, providing jobs, good food and a family environment for the people of that town. We definitely look forward to continuing to help grow the city of Memphis."

Wharton bestowed the symbolic key to commemorate the economic and community contributions Wingstop locations have brought to the Southern city.

"It is a huge honor for me and my team to have Mayor Wharton give me the key to the city," said the Maybach Music Group founder. "In every city we open a Wingstop, it is our goal to make a positive impact. We appreciate his support." 

In addition to the honor, Ross paid a visit to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

"There was definitely no way to prepare for the experience I had at St. Jude's," he said of meeting young cancer patients and their families. "I just met children facing with the biggest challenge of their lives and they still have smiles on their faces. My heart goes out to them and their parents."

The Miami native, who recently announced his 25th Wingstop franchise, added, "I'm glad that I'm able to lend my consistent support to them through my Memphis-based Wingstop locations. These are the biggest bosses I've seen thus far. My continued prayers go up for them." 

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(Photo: Courtesy of Harold Hitchings)