Wings and Rings

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, most people feel disappointed at the end of summer’s sunny days. At the same time, fans of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/08/politics/football-americas-favorite-sport/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-business-of-football-buffalo-wings-rings-capitalizes-on-americas-favorite-sport-2704322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">America’s favorite sport</a> are preparing for their favorite time of year: football season. Rabid fans across the country look for restaurants and bars to host fantasy football draft parties, cheer on their favorite team and enjoy food and drinks with friends.As fans start tuning in, local businesses can also reap the benefits of football season. One brand that has always put a premium on football season is <a href="http://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-business-of-football-buffalo-wings-rings-capitalizes-on-americas-favorite-sport-2704322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a>, a 75+-unit franchise brand that provides a game day experience that takes fans to the club level.“We want our guests to think of us for every sports-related occasion, and football season is a huge traffic driver for us,” said Diane Matheson, vice president of marketing for Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings. “We work tirelessly to provide added value for our guests and consistent promotions to help our franchisees drive business to their locations.”One program the brand executes each year is a fantasy football kit, designed to encourage leagues to host their draft parties at <a href="https://buffalowingsandrings.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-business-of-football-buffalo-wings-rings-capitalizes-on-americas-favorite-sport-2704322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a>. Launched in 2016, the kit includes player boards and stickers, a coupon for the commissioner and a $25 gift card that is given to the winner of each league.“We are always thinking ahead on behalf of our franchisees,” said Matheson. “We implemented the fantasy football program to take place ahead of football season, before business picks up, to bring some of those draft parties from the home to our restaurants, or to have our guests keep Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings top of mind for catering. Our franchisees get behind this initiative and find success in it.”One of those franchisees is Si Rose, owner of two locations in the Cincinnati area in Finneytown and West Chester.The Cincinnati area franchised and corporate locations have a deal with Bengals’ radio to host a pep rally at a Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings location every Friday. During the live broadcast, local personalities Dave Lapham (a former Bengal himself) and Dan Horde take questions from the audience, give away tickets and get the crowd excited for the upcoming game, with guest appearances by Bengals players.At Rose’s locations, he makes the most of the exposure by giving away food or drink samples and getting face time with guests.“When we have pep rallies at our locations, we’re packed,” said Rose. “It’s our opportunity to wow our guests and show them that Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings is the perfect place to enjoy game day. I’m working the room, cleaning dishes, meeting people and just being present. It’s critical for success at any location, especially during busy times of the year like football season.”Rose also makes a push to bring in draft parties at his locations.“Beyond our delicious food and drinks, it’s important for us to make people feel welcome. We strive to make guests feel like Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings is a place where they are treated special and enjoy watching a game or hosting a draft party,” he said. “This is a different place from other restaurants or sports bars. The owner is present, the staff is friendly and our locations offer a game day experience that is second to none.”With a chef-driven menu served on china; fresh, never frozen chicken; state-of-the-art televisions and surround sound; a locally sourced craft beer menu and thoughtful cocktails, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings takes the sports experience up a notch.“We’ve carefully crafted our brand to appeal to families and friends wanting to enjoy time together over sports and great food,” added Matheson. “If you’re a fantasy football player, you can follow multiple games at the same time. Every seat in our restaurants is the best seat in the house.”In 2015, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings took its commitment to providing a club-level experience one step further by opening a location in Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium as part of the stadium’s concessions upgrade. The strategy has paid off; the partnership has been incredibly successful for the Bengals and for Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings, prompting the brand to consider opening locations in other stadiums as part of its growth strategy.&nbsp;So far in 2017, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings has opened four locations, with seven more in development. The brand is actively seeking qualified franchise partners across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Florida and more. For more information, please visit <a href="http://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-business-of-football-buffalo-wings-rings-capitalizes-on-americas-favorite-sport-2704322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ownabuffalo.com</a>.&nbsp;

The Business of Football: Buffalo Wings & Rings Capitalizes on America’s Favorite Sport

1851 Franchise

Fast-growing club-level restaurant franchise offers an unmatched club-level game experience

This brand page has been paid for by WINGS AND RINGS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Wings and Rings Rolls Out New Seasonal Sips, Menu Items and Holiday Gift Card Bonuses for Winter Limited-Time Offer

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

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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

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The Business of Football: Buffalo Wings & Rings Capitalizes on America’s Favorite Sport

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