Is there such a thing as the perfect franchisee? There’s no doubt every brand has one in mind, and Buffalo Wings & Rings is no different.

“We have a diverse background of franchisees,” said Dan Doulen, director of franchise development at Buffalo Wings & Rings. “From VPs of sales to Detroit autoworkers and of course many with restaurant backgrounds.”

But what qualities do all these men and women share? What makes them the right fit for BW&R?

According to Doulen, successful franchisees share a host of similarities. First and foremost, they’re financially qualified to grow a business. Secondly, they’re located in an area the brand has targeted for expansion. But perhaps most important is their mindset – the best Buffalo Wings & Rings franchisees are passionate about service.

“A restaurant background is a plus but it’s not required,” Doulen continued. “A successful business person will know how to hire the right people who have that kind of experience. The key is being able to follow the system.”

Buffalo Wings & Rings has created a formula for franchise success, and even franchisees with strong restaurant backgrounds will have problems if they’re not able to be team players and trust in the system.

“I believe our franchisees have a keen sense they are joining a company that cares about them and treats them as family,” Doulen said. “They are also aware they have joined a company that is growing and that they are in the early stages of that growth. At the same time, I wouldn’t say they are risk-takers, because we have many years of success behind us with a brand that has been around since 1984.”

And what draws these special individuals to the brand?

“There are so many things that make Buffalo Wings & Rings attractive,” Doulen said.

As mentioned, it’s a growing brand. Forward-thinking multi-unit franchisees who get in on the ground floor are able to expand along with the company and reap the rewards that come with it. Also, Doulen pointed out that BW&R operates in a very strong segment that is not showing any signs of weakening.

The brand’s corporate leadership is also very appealing to prospective franchisees.

“We have many years of experience on the corporate support team,” Doulen said. “But even more than that are our quality offerings, such as food quality and presentation and atmosphere. We cater to the whole family, not just the male sports fan.”

Along with the cutting edge technology Buffalo Wings & Rings uses to better understand and market to its customers, as well as the fact that it features a lower entry cost when compared to other sports restaurant concepts, it’s not difficult to understand what draws such strong franchisees to the brand.

As Doulen pointed out, other competitors in the space have grown mainly through corporate-owned stores. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Wings & Rings gospel is being spread by small business owners who actually believe in the brand.

Which would you prefer?