As of 2021, there are over 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the United States alone. This number continues to grow as the franchise expands into international markets. With its signature wings and endless sports viewing options, Buffalo Wild Wings has become a popular choice for casual dining and entertainment. Whether you’re in a small town or a major city, chances are there’s a Buffalo Wild Wings location nearby.
The History of Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings, also known as BW3 or B-Dubs, is a popular American restaurant chain known for its chicken wings, beer, and sports-themed atmosphere. Founded in 1982, the chain has since grown to become one of the largest casual dining restaurant chains in the United States. Today, Buffalo Wild Wings has over 1,200 locations across 10 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and more.
The first Buffalo Wild Wings location was opened in Columbus, Ohio, by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, who were both transplants from Buffalo, New York. Disbrow was craving the buffalo-style chicken wings he used to enjoy back home, but he couldn’t find any in Columbus that met his expectations. So, he and Lowery decided to open their own restaurant, which they originally named Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck, after a popular sandwich in Buffalo.
The original restaurant was a small, 1,200 square foot space with a modest menu of chicken wings, hamburgers, and sandwiches. However, their chicken wings quickly became a hit, with customers lining up to try them. In fact, one of their first regular customers was a local Ohio State University football coach, Earle Bruce, who would often bring the team to the restaurant for wings and beer after games.
Despite early success, Buffalo Wild Wings faced financial struggles in the early years. In 1983, Disbrow and Lowery sold their original restaurant and opened a second location in nearby Dayton, Ohio, which also struggled to turn a profit. However, they persevered and eventually found success by franchising their concept. The first franchise location opened in 1991 in Westerville, Ohio, and the chain continued to grow rapidly throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Today, Buffalo Wild Wings is known for more than just its chicken wings. The chain also serves a variety of other menu items, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Additionally, many locations feature a full-service bar, offering a wide selection of beers and cocktails, as well as a lively atmosphere for watching sports games and events.
In 2018, Buffalo Wild Wings was acquired by Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., which is owned by the private equity firm Roark Capital Group. While the acquisition has led to some changes in the chain’s operations and menu, Buffalo Wild Wings remains a popular destination for sports fans and food lovers alike.
Buffalo Wild Wings growth over the years
Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular restaurant chain that started out as a single location in Columbus, Ohio in 1982. The company was founded by two men, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, who had moved to Ohio from Buffalo, New York. They missed the Buffalo-style chicken wings that they had grown up with, so they decided to open a restaurant that served the wings. The restaurant was called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, and it quickly became a hit in the area.
Since then, Buffalo Wild Wings has grown into a massive chain with hundreds of locations across the United States and around the world. The company has expanded by opening new locations in new cities, as well as by acquiring other restaurant chains. The growth of Buffalo Wild Wings over the years has been impressive, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
As of 2021, there are over 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings locations around the world. This means that there is likely a location near you no matter where you live in the United States. In fact, Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the most ubiquitous restaurant chains in the country, with a presence in all 50 states.
One reason for Buffalo Wild Wings’ success has been its ability to adapt to changing trends in the restaurant industry. For example, the company has recently added delivery and online ordering options to its services, which has made it more convenient for customers to get their wings fix. Additionally, the company has expanded its menu beyond chicken wings to include a variety of other foods like burgers, salads, and tacos. This has made the restaurant more appealing to a wider range of customers.
Another factor that has contributed to Buffalo Wild Wings’ growth over the years is its focus on sports. The company is well-known for its numerous flat-screen TVs and its commitment to showing a variety of sports events. This has made the restaurant a popular destination for sports fans who want to watch their favorite teams while enjoying some good food and drinks.
Despite its massive growth, Buffalo Wild Wings has remained true to its roots. The company still serves the same Buffalo-style wings that made it famous, and it still has a laid-back, sports-bar atmosphere that appeals to many customers. What started out as a small restaurant in Ohio has become one of the most successful chains in the restaurant industry, and it is likely to continue growing and evolving in the years to come.
Understanding Buffalo Wild Wings franchise business model
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) is a popular American sports bar and restaurant chain specializing in chicken wings. Founded in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, it has since grown into a global franchise with over 1,200 locations worldwide. The BWW franchise model has been a key factor in its success in expanding its business.
BWW uses a franchising model to expand its business. This means that franchisees own and operate their own BWW restaurants, while the parent company BWW International, Inc. retains control over the brand and provides training and support to its franchisees. Franchisees pay an initial franchise fee and ongoing royalty fees in exchange for the right to use the BWW brand name and business systems as well as access to ongoing support from the BWW corporate team.
The BWW franchise program has been integral to its growth and success. As of 2021, there are over 1,200 BWW locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines. About 95% of BWW stores are owned and operated by franchisees, making it a largely franchised business model.
Growth and expansion through franchising
The BWW franchise model has been key to the company’s growth and expansion over the years. It has enabled BWW to expand rapidly into new regions and countries by leveraging the expertise and knowledge of its franchisees.
BWW franchisees benefit from a proven business model, brand recognition, and ongoing support from BWW corporate. Franchisees receive in-depth training and assistance with site selection, restaurant design, and construction, as well as access to marketing and advertising support. BWW also provides ongoing operational support to its franchisees, including supply chain management, menu development, and financial performance analysis.
Through its franchise program, BWW has been able to expand into new markets quickly and efficiently. Its entry into international markets has been particularly notable, with the company now having a presence in countries such as Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines.
Benefits for franchisees
Franchisees who join the BWW network benefit from a range of advantages. These include:
- Access to a proven business model and established brand name
- Ongoing training and support from the BWW corporate team
- Marketing and advertising support to help attract customers
- Operational support, including supply chain management and menu development
- The opportunity to operate a popular sports bar and restaurant with a loyal customer base
These benefits make the BWW franchise program an attractive option for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to enter the restaurant industry. With a strong brand identity and a proven track record of success, BWW is well positioned to continue growing its franchise network and expanding into new markets.
Current number of Buffalo Wild Wings locations worldwide
Buffalo Wild Wings, a popular sports bar chain, has come a long way since its establishment in 1982. The company, which was initially known as Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, has been expanding rapidly, and currently boasts over 1,200 locations worldwide.
Their success is primarily attributed to their delicious wings, innovative menus, and addictive sports atmosphere. With their love for sports and their passion for serving food that goes perfectly with a cold beer, Buffalo Wild Wings has become a favorite hangout spot for many.
Buffalo Wild Wings has made its presence felt not only in the United States but also internationally. As of today, the chain has locations in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and India. They also have a strong presence in Asia, with locations in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Recently, the chain opened its first location in Puerto Rico, further expanding its footprint in the Caribbean. The Puerto Rico location boasts a scenic view over the bay and provides a unique dining experience for the island’s residents.
Buffalo Wild Wings continues to expand, with plans to open new locations in various parts of the world. The company’s success is partly attributed to its continuous growth strategy and the ability to adapt to new markets.
As Buffalo Wild Wings continues to spread its wings, one thing is certain – they will continue to provide their customers with delicious wings, frosty drinks, and an unparalleled sports viewing experience.
Buffalo Wild Wings plans for future expansion
Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the most popular sports bars in the United States, known for its delicious wings and extensive beer selection. With over 1,200 locations in North America alone, it’s safe to say that the brand has become a household name among sports fans and foodies alike. The restaurant chain is also rapidly expanding its presence across the world, making it an attractive investment for franchisees.
1. Buffalo Wild Wings Locations
Buffalo Wild Wings has a total of 1,261 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Of these locations, 1,175 are franchised and 86 are owned by the company itself.
Around 631 of the Buffalo Wild Wings locations are in the United States, with the highest number of locations in California, Texas, and Florida. The brand has also been expanding quickly in other countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, where the company has partnered with local restaurant operators to bring Buffalo Wild Wings to places like Riyadh and Manila.
Buffalo Wild Wings is often found in suburban areas and shopping centers, with fewer locations in urban centers and downtown areas. However, this may change in the coming years as the company explores new markets and strategies.
2. Investing in Buffalo Wild Wings franchise
Buffalo Wild Wings is an attractive franchise investment for many entrepreneurs, with a well-established brand and a proven track record of success. The company offers comprehensive training programs and ongoing support to franchisees, including marketing and advertising campaigns, site selection assistance, and construction and design services.
The franchise fee for a Buffalo Wild Wings location is $40,000, with additional costs for equipment, inventory, and other expenses. The company also requires a minimum net worth of $750,000 and liquid assets of at least $400,000 to qualify as a franchisee.
Buffalo Wild Wings has a strong competitive advantage in the sports bar and casual dining market, with a loyal customer base and a unique menu that includes a variety of wing sauces and flavors. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, it’s likely that more franchise opportunities will become available.
3. New restaurant formats and technology
Buffalo Wild Wings is exploring new restaurant formats and technology to keep up with changing consumer trends and preferences. One new concept is the B-Dubs Express, which focuses on takeout and delivery orders and offers a smaller, more streamlined menu compared to traditional locations.
The company is also investing in new technology to enhance the customer experience, such as online ordering, mobile payments, and digital loyalty programs. These innovations are particularly important for attracting and retaining younger consumers, who expect seamless and convenient interactions with brands.
4. International expansion plans
Buffalo Wild Wings is aggressively pursuing international expansion, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. The company has partnered with local restaurant operators to open new locations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.
The brand’s popularity in these regions is largely due to its association with American sports culture, as well as its unique menu offerings. However, cultural differences and regulatory requirements can present challenges for international expansion, requiring careful planning and adaptation for each market.
5. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions
Buffalo Wild Wings has pursued strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand its brand and offerings. In 2018, the company acquired the fast-casual chain R Taco, which specializes in street-style tacos and Mexican cuisine. This move is seen as a way for Buffalo Wild Wings to diversify its menu and attract new customers.
The company has also formed partnerships with sports leagues and teams to enhance its brand awareness and customer engagement. For example, Buffalo Wild Wings is the official chicken wing sponsor of the NFL and partners with local sports teams in various regions.
These strategic moves demonstrate Buffalo Wild Wings’ commitment to growth and innovation, as well as its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
