Wings and Rings

Since 1984, elevated sports restaurant and bar franchise <a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-buffalo-wings-rings-franchise-advisory-council-promotes-franchisee-success-2716787" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a> has perfected its business model and franchise opportunity. Now, the brand has a footprint of more than 85 locations across the globe and shows no signs of slowing down. Part of that success can be attributed to the amount of support and respect Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings provides its franchisees. The brand created a franchise advisory council, for example, to ensure owners felt as though they had a voice in the overall trajectory of the brand.&nbsp;<h4>Meet Two Members of the Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings Franchise Advisory Council&nbsp;</h4><a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/why-buffalo-wings-rings-franchisee-frances-zwick-is-continuing-to-grow-with-the-brand-2713816">Frances Zwick</a>, multi-unit Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings franchisee, is one of the members on the council. Zwick’s career in the restaurant industry began with the 66-unit pizza franchise <a href="https://www.larosas.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-buffalo-wings-rings-franchise-advisory-council-promotes-franchisee-success-2716787" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LaRosa’s</a>, where she worked her way up to director of operations at a restaurant in Greendale, Indiana. After opening her first Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings location in Greendale, almost six years ago, she opened a second location in Greensburg, Indiana in 2018 and a third one in Union, Kentucky in 2020. During that time, Zwick volunteered to join the Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings franchise advisory council.“Everyone on the council has different areas of expertise and focuses on different areas of the business,” said Zwick. “Every quarter, we review topics and go over what the company is working on. We then give the corporate team feedback from the franchisee perspective.”&nbsp;Zwick says the council is broken down into sub-committees that are each responsible for a specific department. “One of the groups I’m involved in is responsible for operations, and we’ve been working on a system to try to identify operational inefficiencies and make improvements chain-wide,” she said. “For example, we tested <a href="https://hospitalitytech.com/buffalo-wings-rings-takes-flight-aid-pos-kitchen-tech?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-buffalo-wings-rings-franchise-advisory-council-promotes-franchisee-success-2716787" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the new POS</a> before it was rolled out to stores in order to fix some of the bugs. There’s also a group that is dedicated to new product testing. They give feedback on potential item rollouts and whether or not they’re successful. The corporate office will test it first and then give it to us. There is a seamless transition between corporate and the franchise council, so it's nice to have both perspectives.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/1851-conference-series-qa-with-buffalo-wings-rings-franchisee-david-bourlier-5421">David Bourlier</a>, who is a multi-unit owner in Florida, is also a member of the franchise advisory council. Bourlier first invested in Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings 12 years ago after successfully growing his own drywall company in Michigan.“The council’s main goal is to help make the business easier and more profitable for franchisees,” said Bourlier. “This could include streamlining <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/buffalo-wings-rings-launches-new-lineup-of-superior-chicken-sandwiches-2716173#franchisor">new product rollouts</a> or optimizing communications between the franchisees. The council is here for the same reason as I am — to better the brand and help with future growth.”In recent years, Zwick says the franchise advisory council has been a key component of Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings’ success. “The people in the corporate office do a fantastic job in their individual areas, but it can be very hard to relay that message to franchisees and get their take,” she said. “That’s why this council is so important and I would encourage other franchisees to become a part of it. Corporate needs the feedback to make sure that things are flowing the right way, and franchisees want to be heard. Communication on both sides of the fence is invaluable.”<h4>How the Franchise Advisory Council Will Help the Brand Expand to New Markets</h4>Today, Zwick and Bourlier say the Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings franchise advisory council is gaining even more momentum as the sub-committees and corporate team members build collaborative relationships.&nbsp;“The decisions we make are for the whole chain, not just one particular location,” said Zwick. “Everyone is accounted for. I’ve been very pleased with the direction we’re going. Plus now, everyone at the corporate office is more understanding and happier to reach out to franchisees if they need something. There’s more trust.”<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasflaherty?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-buffalo-wings-rings-franchise-advisory-council-promotes-franchisee-success-2716787" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Thomas Flaherty</a>, chief development officer for Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings, says the franchisees aren’t the only ones who benefit from the council — the corporate team relies heavily on its network of franchisees to advance the brand.&nbsp;“As we continue to grow across the country, our franchisees are the eyes and ears of the operations,” said Flaherty. “Having a unified franchise advisory council that can speak on behalf of all of our franchisees is an invaluable resource in ensuring we grow the right way and position all of our incoming and existing owners for continued success.”Now, the wing franchise is looking for qualified partners to help grow the brand in <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/buffalo-wings-rings-has-big-plans-for-growth-in-2021-2714821#brand-latest-stories">multiple new territories across the country</a>, including Florida, Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.For more information on Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings, the investment and financial qualifications, please visit: <a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-buffalo-wings-rings-franchise-advisory-council-promotes-franchisee-success-2716787" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ownabuffalo.com.</a>

How Buffalo Wings & Rings' Franchise Advisory Council Promotes Franchisee Success

1851 Franchise

The sports restaurant and bar franchise stands out in the segment by giving franchisees a platform to share their opinions, express concerns and gather best practices. 

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Wings and Rings Launches Operating Partner Program to Reward Top Performers and Build Future Franchise Owners

Wings and Rings Serves Up Game Day Deals for the 2026 NCAA Tournament

Wings and Rings Brings Back Sam Adams Beer Cheese for Big Game Flavor and a Free Wings Giveaway

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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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CINCINNATI, Ohio —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the 85-unit, club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise, is turning up the heat for college basketball fans during the 2026 NCAA tournament with a limited-time game day deal made for sharing. Kicking off with the first round on March 19 and running throughout the championship on April 6, guests can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/baskets">score a free basket</a> of Saratoga chips, fries or wedges with the purchase of 20 wings on NCAA tournament game days with code BASKETS.The tournament deals don’t stop there. Wings and Rings loyalty members will receive a new freebie loaded into their accounts during every round of the tournament, giving fans even more reasons to stay in the game. Guests can download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/baskets">Wings and Rings app</a> to start earning rewards and unlock exclusive offers.Throughout the tournament, guests can enjoy Wings and Rings’ signature wings paired with bold sauces and flavors, making it easy to build a shareable spread for friends and family. Plus, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/deals">Daily Value</a> lineup keeps the deals rolling all week long:&nbsp;<ul><li>Monday &amp; Friday: Kids Eat Free. Start the week with homework after school and end it cheering on the game.</li><li>Tuesday: 40% off wings (traditional or boneless), juicy and packed with bold flavor.</li><li>Wednesday: $8.49 three-piece tender baskets. Hand-breaded, generous servings at unbeatable value.</li><li>Weekday Lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.): Generous portions of wings, sandwiches, burgers, and salads that won’t break the bank.</li><li>Happy Hour (Mon–Fri, 3–6 p.m.): Afternoon deals on drinks and bites, ideal for unwinding with friends before tip-off.</li></ul>During the tournament, guests can indulge in Wings and Rings’ Crafted Classics limited-time menu, featuring the return of Sam Adams Beer Cheese across comfort-forward dishes made for game watching. Favorites include Sam’s Beer Cheese Loaded Fries or Chips, the Beer Cheese Chicken Sandwich, and Beer Cheese Jumbo Tenders, perfect for sharing.With wall-to-wall games, shareable eats, and can’t-miss tournament deals, Wings and Rings is the ultimate spot for fans to gather and celebrate every championship moment.To find a Wings and Rings near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com">https://www.wingsandrings.com</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT WINGS AND RINGS&nbsp;Established 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>.&nbsp;

Score big with a free basket of fries, chips, or wedges when you grab 20 wings on NCAA tournament game days, giving your crew extra fuel for every buzzer-beater.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/">Wings and Rings</a>, the 85-unit, club-level sports restaurant and bar franchise, is shaking up the week with a fresh lineup of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wingsandrings.com/deals">Daily Value offers</a> starting March 2. Leaning further into its reputation for crave-worthy wings and tenders, the brand is doubling down on what matters most: big flavor, big portions and big-time value, whether you’re feeding the family or grabbing your favorites with friends.&nbsp;Here’s what guests can expect from the Wings and Rings’ Daily Value lineup:<ul><li>Monday and Friday: Kids Eat Free kicks off and wraps up the week. Start Monday with homework after school and end Friday toasting the weekend with the game on at your local Wings and Rings.</li><li>Tuesday: 40% off wings! Traditional or boneless, every wing is juicy, tender and loaded with bold, crave-worthy flavor.</li><li>Wednesday: $8.49 three-piece tender baskets. Midweek cravings, meet unbeatable value. Wings and Rings’ three-piece tender baskets feature big, hand-breaded tenders, and offer better prices and bigger servings than most fast-food options.</li><li>Weekday Lunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Lunch doesn’t have to be small. Enjoy full-size lunch options, from wings, to sandwiches, burgers or salads, all at wallet-friendly prices.</li><li>Happy Hour (Monday–Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Your favorite time of day just got better. Unwind with great drinks, food and can’t-miss deals all afternoon.&nbsp;</li></ul>These Daily Value offers are designed to give fans and families more of what they love: bold flavor, hearty portions and meals that satisfy.“We built our Daily Value lineup to give big value to the families and fans that make us who we are,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansweatt/">Dan Sweatt</a>, Senior Marketing Manager. “We’re confident we have the best wings and tenders you can find. If you haven’t tried us before, now there’s a great reason to give us a shot. If you’re already a fan, this is our way of saying thank you.”Starting March 2, weekdays are about to get a whole lot tastier. To see the full menu or find your local Wings and Rings, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wingsandrings.com">www.wingsandrings.com</a>.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>.

Starting March 2, the sports restaurant franchise will begin offering huge wing savings, Kids Eat Free nights and daily deals that make skipping the kitchen easy.

Wings and Rings Launches All-New Daily Value Lineup Packed with Big Flavors and Big Savings

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wings-and-rings-brings-back-sam-adams-beer-cheese-for-big-game-flavor-and-a-free-wings-giveaway

How Buffalo Wings & Rings' Franchise Advisory Council Promotes Franchisee Success

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