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-launches-g4-model-and-incentive-program-to-improve-franchisee-investment-model-and-appeal-to-changing-consumer-demand-2713638" 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. Now, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings">the 80-unit restaurant franchise</a> is launching a smaller, revamped restaurant, built with cost-savings for franchisees and designed to meet evolving consumer preferences. In September, the first G4 Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings model, which is being used as the corporate test store, is opening in Milford, Ohio, and a second location is projected to open in Campbellsville, Kentucky in 2021.“We are always looking to create more efficiencies for franchisees and ways to increase unit-level economics,” said Dan Doulen, Director of Franchising. “Not only with construction and design, but also when it comes to operations and procedures. A smaller footprint will both reduce the initial investment and the ongoing operational costs while maintaining our high level of quality. In addition, the new layout is designed to encourage more guests to visit us, as well as to accommodate larger group sizes.”Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings began <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#franchisor">planning the concept a few years ago after listening to the feedback from current franchise owners as well as prospective buyers</a>. The brand partnered with FRCH, an American architectural and design firm headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio for the design and development, based on consumer insights. Over the past few months, the new design has aligned perfectly with the needs of consumers as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings is creating new and better accommodations for take-out customers and third-party delivery services — two massive revenue streams for restaurant owners in a post-COVID world that will increase the focus on the top line. As Doulen points out, franchisors need to make sure they take advantage of these offerings if they hope to survive.“In addition to a streamlined area for take-out and pick-up, we will have a designated door that will allow staff to bring the food out to the customer’s car,” said Doulen. “Other aspects of this new model include a revamped service model and technology, digital guest experience, on-demand ordering, food tracking and more.”&nbsp;To create these optimizations, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings enlisted the help of <a href="https://www.profitality.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=buffalo-wings-rings-launches-g4-model-and-incentive-program-to-improve-franchisee-investment-model-and-appeal-to-changing-consumer-demand-2713638" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Profitality</a>, an industrial engineering consulting company, to measure the efficiency of everything from the customer experience to the operations. For example, Profitality helped the brand understand the pitfalls of the current kitchen layout and the specific menu items that were holding up the system so they could create an enhanced menu and modernized kitchen design. The company also helped Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings optimize construction costs, furniture sourcing and more.When it comes to the physical design, the new store model will be a redesigned patio with a fire pit, a lounge and a U-shaped bar located closer to the middle of the restaurant than the previous design’s straight bar, which occupied the far side of the building. Each of these spaces has been designed to accommodate food and drink service and offer unobstructed views of multiple televisions. These changes have been designed and tested with franchisees to appeal to the preferences of consumers, particularly millennials.Doulen notes that Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings will implement the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/how-buffalo-wings-rings-is-supporting-franchise-owners-through-covid-19-2712991#franchisor">same high level of safety and sanitation measures at the new locations to promote optimal safety for both customers and staff.</a>To encourage franchisees and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/fsr-magazine-how-buffalo-wings-rings-responded-quickly-to-covid-19-2712990#franbuzz">support their business endeavors during this difficult time</a>, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings has also announced a new development incentive program, including a waived franchise fee and royalty reduction for prospects interested in the G4 model.&nbsp;“If someone qualifies for our incentive program, there will be no royalty due for the first six months of operation,” said Doulen. “The initial franchise fee, which is normally $40,000, will be waived, as well. If you do the math on what you may make in revenue in the first six months, with no royalty, you’ll see how beneficial this incentive is.”With these upcoming changes, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings is positioning franchisees for continued success in the new industry landscape and ensuring that the legacy brand continues to evolve with changes in consumer habits.“In addition to evolving what customers already love about us, we’re also focusing on the profitability for our franchisees,” said Doulen. “Everything we do is about creating VIP service, chef-inspired food, craveworthy wings &amp; rings and a fun place to hangout with friends and family.”For more information on franchising with Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings, visit: <a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=buffalo-wings-rings-launches-g4-model-and-incentive-program-to-improve-franchisee-investment-model-and-appeal-to-changing-consumer-demand-2713638" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://ownabuffalo.com/</a>

Buffalo Wings & Rings Launches G4 Model and Incentive Program to Improve Franchisee Investment Model and Appeal to Changing Consumer Demand

1851 Franchise

With a focus on off-premise offerings and digital ordering, the fourth-generation restaurant revamp is perfectly positioned for a post-COVID world.

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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CINCINNATI&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://ownwingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the 85-unit, club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise, has launched its Operating Partner Program (OPP), a strategic initiative designed to reward top-performing general managers with a share of the bottom line while creating a clear pathway toward future franchise ownership.Built to mirror the benefits of ownership without requiring significant upfront capital, the program gives high-performing operators a “sweat equity equivalent,” allowing them to participate directly in the financial success of their restaurants while continuing to grow within the system.“It’s really an opportunity for our best managers to earn a share of the bottom line,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-bafundo-44908a3/">Bob Bafundo</a>, Chief Operating Officer. “In many ways, it mimics the franchisee ownership model. The better the restaurant performs, the more they benefit. It creates true alignment.”The Operating Partner Program is grounded in one of Wings and Rings’ core values: “stand together as family.”With many general managers having more than a decade of tenure, the program reflects a long-standing commitment to recognizing and investing in the people who have helped build the business.“This is essentially a way to reward our best operators with a bigger, better opportunity,” Bafundo said. “It’s about recognizing the people who have been driving this brand forward for years and giving them a chance to grow with us in a more meaningful way.”Beyond individual rewards, the program is designed to strengthen the system as a whole by retaining top talent and creating stability at the general manager level, a key driver of restaurant performance.“Research in this industry consistently shows that stability at the general manager level leads to stability among hourly employees,” Bafundo said. “And that stability ultimately drives guest satisfaction, sales and profitability.”Participants are expected to operate with an owner’s mindset, taking accountability for performance, building strong teams and serving as the face of the brand in their local communities. The program also acts as a stepping stone toward future franchise ownership, giving operators the experience and financial upside to grow within the system.To qualify, candidates must demonstrate at least two years of strong performance as a general manager, consistent operational excellence, a desire to grow with the brand and the ability to make an upfront investment, which varies by restaurant.The Operating Partner Program is currently rolling out internally, with many candidates expected to meet eligibility requirements by the end of the year.As Wings and Rings continues to expand, the OPP reinforces the brand’s commitment to developing talent from within, strengthening its culture and aligning incentives across the system.“This is about investing in our people for the long term,” Bafundo said. “When our operators win, our teams win, and ultimately, our guests do too.”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>.

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The Cincinnati-based sports restaurant franchise created the program to give strong operators a larger share in store performance and a path to more ownership-style responsibility.

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Buffalo Wings & Rings Launches G4 Model and Incentive Program to Improve Franchisee Investment Model and Appeal to Changing Consumer Demand

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