Buffalo Wild Wings

#64

At a Glance

Products & Services: Buffalo wings & sandwiches

Number of Locations: 829

Total Investment: $1.37M - 3.15M

Founded: 1982

Began Franchising: 1991

About Buffalo Wild Wings

After moving from Buffalo, New York, to Kent, Ohio, friends James Disbrow and Scott Lowery couldn't find a restaurant that served the Buffalo-style chicken wings they still craved, so they decided to open their own. Their first sports bar, originally named Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (or BW-3), opened in Columbus, Ohio, in 1982. The company began franchising in 1991. In addition to wings and 14 signature sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants offer a full menu including salads, sandwiches, burgers and ribs.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S.	Canadian	International	Company Owned
2012	504	0	0	325
2011	495	0	0	278
2010	473	0	0	259
2009	386	0	0	216

Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S.

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $1,371,700 - $3,150,700
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable

Financial Requirements

Net Worth: $1,500,000
Liquid Cash Available: $750,000

Operations

50% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 60. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: At certified training restaurant : 7 weeks.

Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,

Other marketing support: Advertising Advisory Committee