Why Buffalo Wings & Rings Franchisee Frances Zwick is Continuing to Grow With the Brand

On September 11, 2001, Cincinnati resident Frances Zwick had a flight to LA booked with plans to begin her career as an actor. When her flight was canceled after the devastating attacks in New York, Zwick was forced to stay home and reconsider her path. With some time, her decision led her to the restaurant industry, eventually choosing to work with the Buffalo Wings & Rings franchise. Now, Zwick is a multi-franchise owner with the brand and has no intention of slowing down. 

Zwick’s career in the restaurant industry began at a pizza franchise where she paved her way to the assistant manager position. It was around that time she met her business partners Chip Perfect, Randy Maxwell and Tim Doll. In their time at the pizzeria franchise, the foursome learned about the ins-and-outs of restaurant franchising. After experiencing the Buffalo Wings & Rings concept and researching their model, they decided the brand was the right fit for them. The business partners joined the franchise for the casual, family-friendly atmosphere and high-quality service.

“I love that Buffalo Wings & Rings is a family-friendly atmosphere with good food,” said Zwick. “My husband can get the sports he wants, I can get the food I want and most importantly, we can take our seven year-old daughter with us to dine.”

In addition to the Union, Kentucky location they already owned, Zwick and her business partners recently signed a three-unit deal with the sports-casual franchise — the first two locations opening in Greensburg and Greendale, Indiana. Once they find the proper real estate, the third location in the deal will open in Florence, Kentucky. Though COVID-19 has delayed this process, Zwick believes the Florence location will be able to open on schedule.

“We’ve learned a lot over the past couple of months with our other three restaurants,” Zwick said. “We know how to safely operate during a pandemic and are lucky enough to continue to open — I’m thrilled about that.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a few setbacks for Zwick and her business partners, but the business team has managed well with the help of corporate. For now they are unable to open the dining room but fortunately Zwick’s location has a pickup window, the first of the Buffalo Wings & Rings franchise. 

Zwick says the Union location’s patio has been an incredible asset as well: “We do have a patio that has big floricel doors that provides an outdoor experience and our patio has a screen to ensure that bugs stay out for our customers. With this, we meet the health requirements by having an indoor-outdoor experience for an enjoyable atmosphere.”

Dan Doulen, director of franchise development at Buffalo Wings & Rings, says that Kentucky is one of the main regions the brand is looking to expand in the next year. Zwick and her team are already aiding that expansion with their recent three-unit deal.

“There’s a lot of opportunity to expand in Kentucky right now,” said Doulen. “Our franchisees are obviously such a big part of what we do, and their enthusiasm can really drive growth within key regional areas.”

In these difficult times, Zwick and her business partners have been using their platform to bring good to the community. Right now, the business partners are planning a VIP night where all alcohol sales will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. 

“There are so many ways to reach people right now during these times,” said Zwick. “The ability to provide a quality service for families that will help get them through this time is definitely what we’re about. The platform to reach people is why we do what we do. It’s a good feeling and we look forward to expanding that reach in the coming years.”

For more information on franchising with Buffalo Wings & Rings, visit their website.