Buffalo Wings & Rings Franchisee Keeps Customers Coming Back

Al Hauck, a Buffalo Wings & Rings franchisee for about 6 ½ years, is hard at work on his second, third and fourth restaurants in North Dakota.

“I probably will retire the day they put me in the ground,” he said, perhaps joking, perhaps not. This is someone who has worked hard to earn his impressive success with the franchise in Minot. The help he gets from the top of the company is a big part of that.

“They have always made it clear that they are accessible and willing to help,” he said. “If we have a question, we have their cellphone numbers. We can talk with them about concerns. We are family. .. It’s not lip service. I don’t know many companies that give out the CEO’s phone number.

“This is unique and they are there to help.”

Hauck, who worked as a general manager at a car dealership before he got onboard with Buffalo Wings & Rings, said he and his wife, Mary, learned a lot in their first few years of business, and still are soaking in knowledge. Hauck said they have figured out, though, that success is really quite simple.

“What it comes down to is you have to take care of one customer at a time,” he said. “Make their experience memorable — that usually will take care of things. Everything starts with the customers.”

His new restaurants — in Bismarck, Grand Forks and Fargo — are part of the legacy he and his wife are putting in place for their three children. His son Michael is the GM and has helped the business grow. Son David also is in management.

“We are growing, thankfully,” Hauck said. “The first year we did so well, and I was shocked by the success. I wondered what I was doing.”

The business has seen booming growth in the past few years — in 2012, there was a sales increase of about 30 percent, for instance.

The atmosphere of BWR keeps customers coming back, he said.

“We love providing that sports atmosphere. It’s a great place to hang out and have a pleasant experience and watch a game. … We really like the franchise and what it stands for. The 35 and up group just wants something fun, family-friendly and peaceful.”

Also important to the Haucks is lending a hand in their town. Their business success has made assisting others a reality.

“My wife and I really enjoy helping out the community and kids who are dealing with hardships. We love to help the schools.”