Cincinnati-based Buffalo Wings & Rings is breaking away from the herd of sports
bars in a crowded scene by “escaping the man cave” with its new building
design. The chain’s “G3” prototype design loses the “cave” aspect by
brightening the space with a more inviting color palette, lighting scheme and
graphics package, which is broadening Buffalo Wings & Rings’ appeal beyond
just men.
The brand designed the G3
prototype in collaboration with Interbrand Design Forum, one
of the top commercial-design firms in the United States. Its most recent
opening to carry the new look, in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, will serve as the
template for future Buffalo Wings & Rings locations.
“There is more than one way
to enjoy great food and a great game,” said Nader Masadeh, president and chief
executive of Buffalo Wings & Rings. “Our G3 restaurant design keeps all the
energy and excitement of the ‘man cave’ for a big game but creates a much more
versatile environment where families, singles, Millennials, and any other group
of people will enjoy themselves and our food, for any number of occasions.”
New Buffalo Wings & Rings
locations will carry the updated color scheme and contemporary brick and wood
finishes. On the walls, beer company signage and sports knickknacks have been
replaced with framed brand statements like “Great Food. No Bull.”
The prototype also includes
more seating away from the bar, with more big-screen TVs so larger groups at
the booths or tables don’t miss any action. The booths and tables are
oval-shaped to allow more sight lines to dining companions, giving families and
large groups of friends or teammates an easier way to talk while enjoying
shareable appetizers or wings.
New community tables can
accommodate even larger groups, and they are equipped with an at-table beer tap
system so that groups of diners can pour a predetermined amount of beer for
themselves without getting up to order at the bar.
“This new design was one of
several leaps forward the Buffalo Wings & Rings brand made in 2014, its
30th year in business,” Masadeh said. “We’re also incredibly excited about new
menu items that already have been a big hit with our guests, as well as the
new-store development we were able to achieve this year with our
30th-anniversary franchise incentive.”
Throughout 2014, " target="_blank" rel="nofollowBuffalo Wings &
Rings offered a $30,000 discount off the $35,000 franchise fee to new and existing operator partners.
One big draw of the chain’s new prototype is a hybrid design that combines the
casual-dining environment for guests with a back-of-the-house modeled on a
quick-service kitchen, optimizing the ease and convenience of operations for
franchisees and ensuring higher profit margins.
The brand has 45 restaurants
in 12 states.