Buffalo Wings & Rings Aims to Triple in Size in Home State of Ohio

In 1984, a restaurant called Buffalo Wings & Rings (BW&R) opened its doors in Cincinnati to customers seeking Buffalo wings and homemade bleu cheese dip. Nearly four decades later, Buffalo Wings & Rings has evolved into a popular sports bar concept with more than 80 locations worldwide.

Recently Buffalo Wings & Rings was recognized by Franchise Times as one of 2020’s Top 200+ Growing Franchise Brands, and the brand looks to keep growing in 2021. But love for the brand’s home state of Ohio has never faded.

There are 14 locations in Ohio including the newest one in Milford, where BW&R launched its new model. The brand looks to continue increasing its footprint in the Buckeye state.

“Given our current density of stores in Ohio, this also makes our brand awareness and appreciation much higher than faraway markets,” says Thomas Flaherty, Buffalo Wings & Rings’ chief development officer.

One region where BW&R looks to grow is their hometown of Cincinnati. “We were born in Cincinnati,” says Flaherty. Despite their established presence, he says the Buffalo Wings & Rings team still does “significant research on the area to ensure that we are looking at the right specific neighborhoods within each city, so that we are looking at all site and demographic variables.”

In 2018 Cincinnati was among the fastest-growing major metro regions in the Midwest. Towns in the bordering states of Kentucky and Indiana are grouped in the Cincinnati region as well.

Frances Zwick owns a Buffalo Wings & Rings location in Union, Kentucky, a roughly 30-minute drive from Cincinnati. Zwick and her business partners signed a three-unit deal with the franchise.

“I love that Buffalo Wings & Rings is a family-friendly atmosphere with good food,” says Zwick.

In 2020 Buffalo Wings & Rings introduced a development incentive program for franchisees like Zwick. The brand is waiving the initial franchise fee of $40,000 and eliminating royalties for the first six months for existing and prospective franchisees who qualify. Those who are interested in participating in the brand’s development incentive program do not need prior restaurant experience. “A significant value,” says Flaherty. “The team also cares deeply about our franchisees and our brand.”

In Northeast Ohio, the city of Cleveland’s population is decreasing. A study found that Cleveland is the fifth-fastest shrinking large U.S. city, with its population falling at an annual rate of 0.5% over the last 6 years. Nevertheless, Buffalo Wings & Rings has eyed the area for growth since it’s where the brand has yet to make a move.

The brand is also looking to expand in Columbus, Dayton, Canton-Massillon and Toledo.

Looking ahead to 2021, Buffalo Wings & Rings isn’t just eager to grow — it's also looking to celebrate another year of commitment to its valued customers and hardworking franchisees.

“For our guests, it’s the opportunity to enjoy great food in a fun environment with friendly customer service. Every time,” he said. For our franchisees, it’s the opportunity to be in business for yourself — not by yourself — with a franchisor who is deeply committed to pursuing success together. The Roaring ‘20s are going to be great for our brand!”

For more information on Buffalo Wings & Rings, the investment and financial qualifications, please visit: ownabuffalo.com