Wings and Rings

<a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wings-rings-franchisee-first-initiatives-help-the-brand-grow-in-2021-2716786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wings &amp; Rings</a>, the Cincinnati-based, elevated sports restaurant and bar franchise with more than 85 units across the globe, is quickly becoming one of the restaurant industry’s most sought-after franchise opportunities. The brand signed new deals with both new and existing franchisees in Q2 thanks in large part to prioritizing a mission of franchisee success.&nbsp;Along with the brand’s goal to change the sports restaurant category by bringing an elevated experience to guests, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings">Wings &amp; Rings</a> put its franchisees first this year with a new point-of-sale system, a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/buffalo-wings-rings-waives-initial-franchise-fee-of-40000-and-eliminates-royalties-for-the-first-six-months-2713748#franchisor">development incentive program</a> that waives the initial $40,000 franchise fee and royalty fees for six months, and a new <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/restaurant-business-buffalo-wings-rings-releases-new-design-prototype-2713803#brand-latest-stories">G4 restaurant design prototype</a> featuring self-service technology.Now, after welcoming new franchisees into its system and celebrating seasoned operators who are expanding with the brand, Wings &amp; Rings is looking forward to continued growth in 2021.“Our strong network of franchisees — both new and old — are our foundation for growth over the next few years,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasflaherty/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wings-rings-franchisee-first-initiatives-help-the-brand-grow-in-2021-2716786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Thomas Flaherty</a>, Chief Development Officer for the brand. “By continuously improving our franchisee support and by sticking to our core values of bringing a crafted, elevated and communal food experience to our guests, we will only continue to find success.”<h4>Why Experienced Franchisees Continue To Choose Wings &amp; Rings</h4>As a brand that strives to evolve to meet the needs of its franchisees, Wings &amp; Rings offers an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs — especially those who already have experience in franchising and who recognize the growth potential of the decades-old brand. Wings &amp; Rings recently welcomed several new franchisees into its system who have experience franchising with other, sometimes multiple, brands.Earlier this year, the brand broke new ground by crossing the border and introducing its club-level experience to Mexico with Grupo Pera, an investment group and multi-brand franchisee that signed on to open 11 units for Wings &amp; Rings throughout Tamaulipas, Nuevo León and Coahuila. Grupo Pera was founded in 1990 and their impressive portfolio includes real estate and gas station locations, as well as several other American franchise concepts in the restaurant sector.The first restaurant is scheduled to open in 2021, with the remaining 10 units scheduled to open through 2027."We are very excited to introduce Wings &amp; Rings to the people of Mexico," said Sebastian Peña, CEO of Grupo Pera.&nbsp; "To open 10-plus locations over 5–7 years is ambitious; however, we believe that our experience opening and operating numerous other top-tier global brands, such as KFC, Pizza Hut and IHOP, has provided a great foundation for growth with our new brand, Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings.”<h4>Why Existing Franchisees Continue To Grow With Wings &amp; Rings</h4>Wings &amp; Rings’ distinct consumer offering is also appealing to existing franchise owners who want to scale to multi-unit ownership. The brand’s winning model, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/how-buffalo-wings-rings-is-supporting-franchise-owners-through-covid-19-2712991#brand-latest-stories">robust franchisee support infrastructure</a>, low financing interest rates and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/buffalo-wings-rings-continues-growing-its-leadership-team-with-industry-experts-2713391#brand-latest-stories">expert leadership team</a> are the main reasons why existing franchisees continue to invest in the brand.According to multi-unit and multi-brand franchise owner <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-zwick-3aba7b63?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wings-rings-franchisee-first-initiatives-help-the-brand-grow-in-2021-2716786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Frances Zwick</a>, the brand’s ability to support her specific needs was a major factor in her decision to invest. “I’ve been in the restaurant industry for about 15 years now,” said Zwick. “I was fortunate enough to be able to buy into an ownership group that I had worked with at LaRosa’s, and one of the primary owners also worked with Wings &amp; Rings. We had a very specific site we were interested in filling next to the LaRosa’s, and we were looking for a complimentary brand that would fit there. I attended the Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings discovery day and was blown away by their support of my ideas.”After opening her first Wings &amp; Rings location in Greendale, Indiana almost six years ago, Zwick has opened a second location in Greensburg, Indiana in 2018 and a third one in Union, Kentucky in 2020, thanks to the brand’s proven and scalable business model.Along with the addition of new locations from existing franchisees, Wings &amp; Rings also opened a location at <a href="https://tqlstadium.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wings-rings-franchisee-first-initiatives-help-the-brand-grow-in-2021-2716786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TQL Stadium</a> in Cincinnati, where the city’s soccer team, FC Cincinnati, plays.<h4>How CEO Nader Masadeh Guided Wings &amp; Rings Throughout the Pandemic</h4>At a time when the restaurant industry was dealt one of the toughest economic blows, Wings &amp; Rings remained committed to its franchise owners and kept all of its locations open despite the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the leadership of its president and CEO <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nader-masadeh-55a6a9a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wings-rings-franchisee-first-initiatives-help-the-brand-grow-in-2021-2716786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nader Masadeh</a>. In May of this year, Masadeh won the <a href="https://www.ohiorestaurant.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wings-rings-franchisee-first-initiatives-help-the-brand-grow-in-2021-2716786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ohio Restaurant Association</a>’s highest award, the Claude F. Morton Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, for his ability to guide the brand’s corporate team and lay the foundation to continue growing and improving the brand.“2020 wasn’t easy for any of us in the restaurant industry,” said Masadeh. “However, during COVID-19, we were able to execute a successful strategy in a difficult environment. We also remained committed to our franchisees and their success by increasing our level of support during a tumultuous year, and in return, we’re seeing many of our existing franchise owners continue to grow with the brand.”Wings &amp; Rings was proud to create solutions for its franchisees during the pandemic. Now, as the world starts to return back to normal for the rest of 2021 and beyond, the brand’s franchisees are seeing a return to pre-pandemic numbers, and the brand is preparing to offer new development ideas to franchisees in the near future.

Wings & Rings’ Franchisee-First Initiatives Help the Brand Grow in 2021

1851 Franchise

With a new point-of-sale system, a development incentive program and a revamped restaurant design, both new entrepreneurs and existing franchisees are looking to grow with the club-level experience brand.

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 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

Wings & Rings’ Franchisee-First Initiatives Help the Brand Grow in 2021

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