Exploring the Value of a Buffalo Wild Wings Crypto Franchise

• The Birth of an Iconic Chain: The Tale of Buffalo Wild Wings
• From Humble Beginnings to Global Domination
• Becoming a Buffalo Wild Wings Franchisee
• The Brand's Menu
• The Success Story of an Iconic Chicken Chain
• The Brand Continues to Soar
• Why Franchise With Buffalo Wild Wings?

The Birth of an Iconic Chain: The Tale of Buffalo Wild Wings

In 1981, two friends from Ohio, James Disbrow and Scott Lowery, took it upon themselves to satisfy a desperate craving for Buffalo chicken wings. Unable to locate an authentic version in their home state, they opted instead to launch their own wings-centered sports bar. That year, the first Buffalo Wild Wings sprouted in Columbus, Ohio, dishing out Disbrow and Lowery's spicy New York-style chicken wings that quickly gathered rave reviews. The rising demand prompted the opening of another establishment in Westerville, Ohio.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Domination

Buffalo Wild Wings has blossomed over the subsequent four decades from a modest two-store venture into an international brand. The chain now boasts over 1,200 locations spread across 45 US states, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. What was once a scrappy startup is now a subsidiary of Inspire Brands, a fast-growing conglomerate that also supervises fast food giants such as Arby's, Sonic Drive-In, and Jimmy John's.

Franchising has played a significant role in this remarkable expansion. The company began franchising in 1991, and currently, over half of all locations are owned by franchisees.

Becoming a Buffalo Wild Wings Franchisee

Prospective franchisees should be prepared to invest $1.5-$3.5 million to start a new restaurant, which includes a minimum of $750,000 in liquid capital. The preliminary franchise fee varies from $25,000 for a traditional location to $12,500 for a non-traditional spot such as an airport or college campus. Franchisees commit to a 20-year contract, with the opportunity to renew for an extra 10-year term.

In return, Buffalo Wild Wings provides training, opening assistance, ongoing support, branded marketing materials, and proprietary systems for managing point-of-sale, inventory, reporting, and operations. Franchise owners are tasked with acquiring suitable real estate and hiring staff to oversee daily management catering to local customers.

The Brand's Menu

The menus primarily focus on the brand's namesake chicken wings coated in a variety of proprietary sauces and dry rubs, ranging from mild to extremely hot. Popular choices include Parmesan Garlic, Mango$0.024 0.47% Habanero, and Atomic Sauce. Franchisees can also choose to serve a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and sides to cater to diverse tastes.

The Success Story of an Iconic Chicken Chain

Despite launching during a challenging recession in 1981, the unique Buffalo Wild Wings concept found success by fulfilling a shared craving among friends. The brand's distinct seasonings and catchy ad campaigns such as "Wing Tuesdays" helped set Buffalo Wild Wings apart while cultivating strong customer loyalty. Today, the brand continues to innovate with tech integrations like mobile apps, online ordering, in-seat tablets, and rewards programs.

The Brand Continues to Soar

The brand's success story is evident in the numbers. With over 31 years of experience perfecting its namesake dish, Buffalo Wild Wings utilizes its scale, analytics, and marketing prowess to help independent affiliates succeed.

Even amid increasing competition, the brand that essentially pioneered the sports bar + wings category continues to provide the authentic experience that many rival chains strive to reproduce but seldom achieve. Buffalo Wild Wings' success confirms commercial demand, with customers continuing to flock for innovative twists on a beloved dish first popularized by Italian-American cook Teressa Bellissimo in Buffalo, NY, in 1964.

Why Franchise With Buffalo Wild Wings?

For more than three decades, Buffalo Wild Wings has brought its signature chicken wings seasoned with secret spices to American and international tables. By granting its formulas, systems, and branding to enthusiastic owners, the brand turns local fans into loyal franchise partners. As the brand continues to expand its global footprint, Buffalo Wild Wings looks set to trail its hot sauce and blue cheese dressing across continents for many more years. Fans-turned-owners have an opportunity grab a slice of this thriving venture, smothered in butter and spices.

Edited by Jonathan Stoker