When you are looking to start a business, everyone has those moments where you question your decision—and maybe your sanity. But perhaps Mark Twain said it best: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

Oftentimes, the key to starting and staying the course—in business and in life—is finding something that inspires you and makes you look forward to the journey ahead. The same can be said for franchising. That’s why Buffalo Wings & Rings believes that its people make the brand—and it’s why so many franchisees have a deep-seated passion that’s helping to fuel the brand’s expansion efforts.

That kind of franchisee satisfaction can go a long way for a brand—and for Buffalo Wings & Rings, it’s not going unnoticed. Most recently, Franchise Business Review’s Top 40 Food Franchise named Buffalo Wings & Rings as one of the restaurant industry’s best businesses to invest in. These rankings, which exist to shed light on the industry’s top food franchises in the U.S., are based on feedback from the people who know these businesses best—their franchisees. Designed to highlight a brand’s important strong suits and overall franchisee satisfaction, more than 26,000 franchise owners representing more than 350 leading brands are surveyed.

“Being listed by Franchise Business Review proves that we are on the right track and excelling in all the right areas. We are extremely proud,” Nader Masadeh said, the CEO of Buffalo Wings & Rings. “Often, the key to starting and staying the course as a franchisee is finding something that makes you proud every single day. Buffalo Wings & Rings has always supported and valued the hard-working and dedicated people who have made our brand what it is today—it’s why so many franchisees find success with Buffalo Wings & Rings and eagerly choose to grow with us.”

Buffalo Wings & Rings’ added advantage comes from its flexible and customizable support model, which has long been a huge differentiator for the brand. They customize their support for each individual based on their level of experience and level of need. Training is also tailored to make sure that every franchisee is set up for success from the moment they sign their agreement to the day they open their doors. From there, Buffalo Wings & Rings puts a strong emphasis on maintaining open communication to offer support whenever it’s needed—from local store marketing and the point-of-sale system to everything else in between.

“The support system is great. You can pick up a phone and call any of the Buffalo Wings & Rings owners directly. Maybe they won’t handle the issue directly, but they will help you find the answer. And if they miss the call, they’ll return it. It’s clear they take their business very personally. And in return, it makes you want to do the same,” said Todd Fetter, a franchisee in Waynesfield, Ohio.

Of course, being a part of a brand that boasts unparalleled growth opportunities, a chef-driven menu and a second-to-none dining experience doesn’t hurt, either. And in the end, all of these elements have created the perfect storm—proving that Buffalo Wings & Rings is the brand to beat in the crowded restaurant industry segment (there are 261,923 different brands, to be exact).

“Buffalo Wings & Rings is a brand that’s heading in the right direction. We have a great leadership team. We have a strong food platform. And we’ve nailed down the perfect family-friendly dining atmosphere,” said Mike Weyer and franchisee in Jasper/Bedford, Indiana. “But above all else, Buffalo Wings & Rings is a brand that takes the time to listen. Every single franchisee has a voice. It’s been an incredible experience that has given me an education and an experience that I can’t buy anywhere else.”