Leading Sports Restaurant Franchise Is On Pace For Another Record-Breaking Year
Buffalo Wings & Rings, a fast-growing, club-level sports restaurant franchise with 70 units globally, is poised to achieve record-breaking growth for the ninth consecutive year. The brand is off to a solid start in the first half of 2016—in the second quarter alone, Buffalo Wings & Rings added to its ever growing network by opening two new franchise units in Aberdeen, South Dakota and Brownsville, Texas, and signed an additional five franchise agreements that will open up 10 locations for business. The brand also saw its average unit sales increase 2.9%, with year-to-date system sales up 11.4%.
“By offering a chef-inspired menu and elevated sports atmosphere, Buffalo Wings & Rings’ growth potential is unlimited,” said Nader Masadeh, Buffalo Wings & Rings’ CEO. “There isn’t another sports restaurant brand that comes close to matching our store experience, food quality and service. We’ve proven that our model works, and as our successful second quarter suggests, we’re going to continue to expand at impressive rates.”
To fuel its growth, Buffalo Wings & Rings has also continued to encourage multi-unit development, and provides unparalleled support and training for its network of hard-working and passionate franchisees.
“We’ve shown time and time again that when our model is matched with the right real estate, the right franchisee and the right community, it’s a recipe for success,” said Philip Schram, chief development officer for Buffalo Wings & Rings. “Our rapid expansion is also possible because of our local franchise owners. They all share our passion for Buffalo Wings & Rings, and it’s their unwavering dedication to the brand’s franchise system that allows us to continue to open up in new markets.”
That shared commitment to the brand’s mission and success was evident at Buffalo Wings & Rings’ annual convention. Hundreds of corporate team members and franchisees came together in Charleston, South Carolina in June to celebrate the brand’s successes, discuss best industry practices and brainstorm ways to continue driving Buffalo Wings & Rings’ expansion efforts forward.
At the center of those efforts is the brand’s commitment to keeping things fresh, starting with its menu. This spring, Buffalo Wings & Rings introduced two limited time offers. From February 10 to March 24, the brand offered guests a variety of meatless choices, including a Shrimp Flatbread, Fish & (Pickle) Chips Sandwich, Bella-Mac Grilled Cheese and Old Bay Shrimp Basket.
From May 1 until June 25, The “Clash of the Classics” LTO included three distinct wings and rings combinations, each with its own unique flavor and spice. Offerings included the Santa Fe Scuffle, with jalapeno garlic medium wings, southwest onion rings, queso dipping sauce and salsa; the Royal Ruckus, with buffalo hot wings, curried onion rings and a scallion cream dipping sauce; and the Zing of the Ring, with lemon-pepper wings, Sriracha-infused onion rings and a ranch dipping sauce.
“We’re constantly working to launch new, creative recipes that complement our regular menu and get our guests excited. The two limited time offers we’ve launched so far this year have elevated our food offerings and allowed us to continue learning what flavor profiles and menu items resonate with our guests,” said Buffalo Wings & Rings’ research and development chef Elliot Jablonsky.
Buffalo Wings & Rings has cemented itself as a go-to option for families and fans looking to watch the big game. The demand for this kind of sports restaurant is on the rise—families and friends are increasingly interested in dining out at restaurants that serve quality food made from fresh, never frozen ingredients and chef-inspired recipes. The brand’s consistent revenue growth is indicative that Buffalo Wings & Rings is capitalizing on that heightened demand.
Approaching the second half of 2016, Buffalo Wings & Rings will pave the way for continued growth, with the brand set to open its first restaurants in both Tennessee and Kansas. But its long-term expansion goals are much broader—in the next five years, the brand plans to add 14 more corporate locations and another 50 franchise units to its network.
“Buffalo Wings & Rings’ second quarter growth is a sign of what’s to come. 2016 is on pace to be another strong year for us, both financially and from a development perspective,” said Masadeh. “We’re excited about the opportunity to open our doors in new communities and grow our brand in the months and years to come.”
Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the sports restaurant franchise has always been committed to giving customers the absolute finest wings. Over the years, the brand has pioneered and perfected the art of homemade sauces, customizable heat profiles and fresh wings, as well as grown to offer specialty burgers, gyros and salads to cater to its customers and provide options for the entire family to enjoy. With 70 units across the globe, Buffalo Wings & Rings celebrates this success and works to further evolve to meet the needs of families and wing connoisseurs everywhere. For more information, visit www.buffalowingsandrings.com.
