Wings and Rings

Driven by a demand for an alternative to traditional sports bars,<a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=buffalo-wings-rings-continues-growing-its-leadership-team-with-industry-experts-2713391" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a> was established in 1984 in Cincinnati and focuses on the fun of gathering around sports events and everyday moments, as well as an elevated menu.&nbsp;Since its inception, the sports restaurant franchise has cemented itself as the go-to option for fans and families looking to watch their favorite sporting event in a friendly atmosphere. One of the main reasons for the brand’s unwavering success is its commitment to a chef-driven menu featuring fresh and innovative ingredients. Over more than three decades, the family-friendly sports restaurant has expanded to include 80 locations around the world, carving out a sizable niche for itself with a spirit of continuous improvement regarding its investment proposition and unit economics.Part of this success is also attributed to the brand’s winning leadership team. Since being founded 30+ years ago,<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings"> Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a> has put together one of the most talented and experienced executive teams in the restaurant industry, including Nader Masadeh,<a href="http://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=buffalo-wings-rings-continues-growing-its-leadership-team-with-industry-experts-2713391" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> President &amp; CEO</a>; Daniel Doulen, Director of Franchise Development; Diane Matheson, VP of Marketing and Philip Schram, Chairman and Chief Brand Ambassador.Now, the franchise brand is continuing to invest in its internal corporate team with several recent hires, including Thomas Flaherty, Chief Development Officer; Bob Bafundo, Chief Operations Officer; and Phil Altieri, V.P. of Purchasing.&nbsp;Thomas Flaherty, who joined the brand as Chief Development Officer in February 2020, brings extensive experience in the franchise industry to his new role. Flaherty has served as President of Blink Franchising, President and CEO at Agile Pursuits Franchising, Inc. (a P&amp;G Company that franchises Tide Dry Cleaners), Chief Development Officer at Huddle House and V.P. of Global Business Development at Papa John's, where he spent nearly 14 years.&nbsp;"Having been in franchising for some time, there are a few things about Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings that initially jumped out at me,” said Flaherty. “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/buffalo-wings-rings-to-launch-new-restaurant-franchise-prototype-to-improve-franchisee-investment-model-and-appeal-to-broader-audience-2712703#brand-latest-stories">The brand is fun, with great, quality food; it has exciting investment and operating model numbers for existing and prospective franchisees; and&nbsp; it values its strong relationships with franchisees.</a> All of these are important to grow a brand in a constructive, collaborative way. What drew me to the role was the brand, the culture, the food, the people and the tremendous potential for growth!"Since starting at Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings,<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/fsr-magazine-how-buffalo-wings-rings-responded-quickly-to-covid-19-2712990#brand-latest-stories"> Flaherty has been responsible for an initiative that focuses on how the brand will position itself for growth, while maintaining focus on the initial investment and operating economics of the locations.</a> “Challenges will always present themselves; however, the brand must be dynamic, creative and open to addressing these challenges, with the valuable assistance from the franchisees,” said Flaherty.Another new hire, Bob Bafundo, joined the team in March 2020 as the Chief Operations Officer. Bufundo has an extensive background in the restaurant and franchising industries, working with brands such as KFC as Senior Director of Operations, Sports Clips as an Area Developer, Back Yard Burgers as Senior VP of Operations, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill as President, Pizza Inn as President and, most recently, RAVE Restaurant Group Inc. as President.&nbsp;As the previous franchise owner of a Sport Clips location as well as a gourmet taco concept, Bafundo brings a perfect mix of leadership and franchisee expertise. As Bafundo notes, the Chief Operations Officer role combines his two passions — overseeing the brand's corporate stores while working closely with the franchise system.&nbsp;"When you're working with franchisees, it's one thing to say, ‘Do as I say,’ but another thing to say, ‘Do as I do,’ based on your own success,” said Bafundo. “As a company operator myself, I get the opportunity to prove my theories to the benefit of the entire franchise system. I’ve walked a mile in franchisees’ shoes, so I understand their challenges and frustrations, as well as the support they need to succeed. The challenges I faced&nbsp; as a franchise owner allowed me to become a better leader — and the better the franchisees are performing, the better the franchisor performs."&nbsp;Bafundo, who is starting his journey with Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings in the midst of a pandemic, remarked that the situation has already allowed him the opportunity to “go an inch wide and a mile deep,” in providing very focused support to help the franchisees through the crisis.&nbsp;Phil Altieri, the brand’s new Vice President of Purchasing, has been in the food service industry for 40 years and has maintained a strong relationship with Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings for over a decade. Altieri worked for the distributor of the brand before being asked to work internally by Nader. Since joining the team in January 2020, Altieri has been responsible for driving costs out of the system and providing value to franchisees in terms of renegotiating contracts, reducing costs and providing market expertise.&nbsp;"We are adamant about never leaving one stone unturned — always making sure that owners have what they need in a timely manner,” said Altieri. “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/how-buffalo-wings-rings-is-supporting-franchise-owners-through-covid-19-2712991#franchisor">We have provided tons of support amid COVID-19</a>. When I talk to other brands, some were furloughing the teams that supported franchisees, whereas Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings was focused on creating the best line of support as possible for the franchise system, and for the long-term."&nbsp;With these additions to the leadership team, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings is able to provide franchisees with the support they need to maintain the brand’s level of great service, high-quality food, fun and community, and to emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever.

Buffalo Wings & Rings Continues Growing its Leadership Team with Industry Experts 

1851 Franchise

The wing franchise is continuing to invest in its internal leadership team with several recent hires, including Thomas Flaherty, Chief Development Officer; Bob Bafundo, Chief Operations Officer; and Phil Altieri, V.P. of Purchasing. 

This brand page has been paid for by WINGS AND RINGS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Wings and Rings Rolls Out New Seasonal Sips, Menu Items and Holiday Gift Card Bonuses for Winter Limited-Time Offer

Wings and Rings Brings Back Sam Adams Beer Cheese for Big Game Flavor and a Free Wings Giveaway

Wings and Rings Launches All-New Daily Value Lineup Packed with Big Flavors and Big Savings

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CINCINNATI, Ohio —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the 85-unit, club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise, is turning up the heat for college basketball fans during the 2026 NCAA tournament with a limited-time game day deal made for sharing. Kicking off with the first round on March 19 and running throughout the championship on April 6, guests can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/baskets">score a free basket</a> of Saratoga chips, fries or wedges with the purchase of 20 wings on NCAA tournament game days with code BASKETS.The tournament deals don’t stop there. Wings and Rings loyalty members will receive a new freebie loaded into their accounts during every round of the tournament, giving fans even more reasons to stay in the game. Guests can download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/baskets">Wings and Rings app</a> to start earning rewards and unlock exclusive offers.Throughout the tournament, guests can enjoy Wings and Rings’ signature wings paired with bold sauces and flavors, making it easy to build a shareable spread for friends and family. Plus, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/deals">Daily Value</a> lineup keeps the deals rolling all week long:&nbsp;<ul><li>Monday &amp; Friday: Kids Eat Free. Start the week with homework after school and end it cheering on the game.</li><li>Tuesday: 40% off wings (traditional or boneless), juicy and packed with bold flavor.</li><li>Wednesday: $8.49 three-piece tender baskets. Hand-breaded, generous servings at unbeatable value.</li><li>Weekday Lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.): Generous portions of wings, sandwiches, burgers, and salads that won’t break the bank.</li><li>Happy Hour (Mon–Fri, 3–6 p.m.): Afternoon deals on drinks and bites, ideal for unwinding with friends before tip-off.</li></ul>During the tournament, guests can indulge in Wings and Rings’ Crafted Classics limited-time menu, featuring the return of Sam Adams Beer Cheese across comfort-forward dishes made for game watching. Favorites include Sam’s Beer Cheese Loaded Fries or Chips, the Beer Cheese Chicken Sandwich, and Beer Cheese Jumbo Tenders, perfect for sharing.With wall-to-wall games, shareable eats, and can’t-miss tournament deals, Wings and Rings is the ultimate spot for fans to gather and celebrate every championship moment.To find a Wings and Rings near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com">https://www.wingsandrings.com</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT WINGS AND RINGS&nbsp;Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wingsandrings.com">www.WingsandRings.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownwingsandrings.com">www.OwnWingsandRings.com</a>.&nbsp;

Wings and Rings Serves Up Game Day Deals for the 2026 NCAA Tournament

Score big with a free basket of fries, chips, or wedges when you grab 20 wings on NCAA tournament game days, giving your crew extra fuel for every buzzer-beater.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the 85-unit, club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise, is shaking up the week with a fresh lineup of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/deals">Daily Value offers</a> starting March 2. Leaning further into its reputation for crave-worthy wings and tenders, the brand is doubling down on what matters most: big flavor, big portions and big-time value, whether you’re feeding the family or grabbing your favorites with friends.&nbsp;Here’s what guests can expect from the Wings and Rings’ Daily Value lineup:<ul><li>Monday and Friday: Kids Eat Free kicks off and wraps up the week. Start Monday with homework after school and end Friday toasting the weekend with the game on at your local Wings and Rings.</li><li>Tuesday: 40% off wings! Traditional or boneless, every wing is juicy, tender and loaded with bold, crave-worthy flavor.</li><li>Wednesday: $8.49 three-piece tender baskets. Midweek cravings, meet unbeatable value. Wings and Rings’ three-piece tender baskets feature big, hand-breaded tenders, and offer better prices and bigger servings than most fast-food options.</li><li>Weekday Lunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Lunch doesn’t have to be small. Enjoy full-size lunch options, from wings, to sandwiches, burgers or salads, all at wallet-friendly prices.</li><li>Happy Hour (Monday–Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Your favorite time of day just got better. Unwind with great drinks, food and can’t-miss deals all afternoon.&nbsp;</li></ul>These Daily Value offers are designed to give fans and families more of what they love: bold flavor, hearty portions and meals that satisfy.“We built our Daily Value lineup to give big value to the families and fans that make us who we are,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansweatt/">Dan Sweatt</a>, Senior Marketing Manager. “We’re confident we have the best wings and tenders you can find. If you haven’t tried us before, now there’s a great reason to give us a shot. If you’re already a fan, this is our way of saying thank you.”Starting March 2, weekdays are about to get a whole lot tastier. To see the full menu or find your local Wings and Rings, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wingsandrings.com">www.wingsandrings.com</a>.About Wings and RingsEstablished in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites, or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wingsandrings.com">www.WingsandRings.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownwingsandrings.com">www.OwnWingsandRings.com</a>.

Starting March 2, the sports restaurant franchise will begin offering huge wing savings, Kids Eat Free nights and daily deals that make skipping the kitchen easy.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio —&nbsp;With the Big Game right around the corner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise with 85 locations worldwide, is giving guests even more reasons to gather with the return of Sam Adams beer cheese as part of its Crafted Classics menu. Guests who have downloaded the Wings and Rings app can score five free wings through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/super-offer">Big Game giveaway</a> when the Big Game kicks off (February 8), redeemable in-restaurant from February 9–13, a winning play without ever leaving the couch.Available January 28 through April 26, 2026, the Crafted Classics menu delivers generous portions and craveable, comfort-forward flavors made for watching the Big Game, sharing with friends or enjoying a relaxed family meal.A longtime guest favorite, Sam Adams beer cheese is back across the Crafted Classics menu, bringing bold, familiar flavor to the dishes guests already love. The lineup leans into familiar favorites that pair easily with wings, burgers and cold drinks, just in time for football’s biggest moments. Pricing stays in line with Wings and Rings’ everyday offerings, with portion options that make it easy to order for groups or individuals.“Sam Adams beer cheese is comfort food with personality,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-admire-cec-195b2066/">Dan Admire</a>, Corporate Executive Chef and culinary innovator for Wings and Rings. “It’s bold, shareable and made for moments when the table’s full, the game’s on and everyone wants something they’ll keep coming back for.”The Crafted Classics menu includes:<ul><li>Sam’s Beer Cheese Loaded Fries or Chips: Fries or Saratoga chips topped with house-made Sam Adams beer cheese, bacon, scallions and bleu cheese crumbles.</li><li>Beer Cheese Chicken Sandwich: A crispy, beer-battered chicken breast with smoked bacon, Sam Adams beer cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun, served with a choice of side.</li><li>Beer Cheese Jumbo Tenders: Beer-battered chicken tenders served with beer cheese dipping sauce and fries, available in three and four-piece options.</li></ul>From the bar, guests can enjoy drinks that pair perfectly with game-day food, including Sam Adams Boston Lager, along with the Sunday Sunrise Sangria and Red Berry Sangria.With craveable flavors, shareable portions, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/super-offer">Big Game giveaway</a>, Wings and Rings makes it easy for fans to celebrate every touchdown, cheer with friends, and enjoy the ultimate game-day experience.To find a Wings and Rings near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com">https://www.wingsandrings.com</a>.ABOUT WINGS AND RINGSEstablished in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites, or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life, and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wingsandrings.com">www.WingsandRings.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownwingsandrings.com">www.OwnWingsandRings.com</a>.&nbsp;

The Crafted Classics limited-time menu, featuring Sam Adams beer cheese, returns January 28 with craveable favorites and a Big Game free wings giveaway.

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Restaurant Magazine: Wings and Rings Turns Up the Heat With Bold New Summer Menu 

Restaurant Magazine: Wings and Rings Turns Up the Heat With Bold New Summer Menu and Ongoing Promotions

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Buffalo Wings & Rings Continues Growing its Leadership Team with Industry Experts

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