Buffalo Wings & Rings Expands Presence in Florida with Help of Orlando-Based Franchisee

Buffalo Wings & Rings has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Cincinnati, Ohio. With 70-restaurants-and-counting in its system, the brand has since expanded its Midwestern roots, and today, it boasts locations from coast to coast. 

And now, with the help of franchisee Jacquelyn Chan, Buffalo Wings & Rings is expanding its reach throughout Florida—a fairly untapped territory filled with huge growth potential—with a new opening in Orlando.

Chan got her first taste of Buffalo Wings & Rings while attending the University of Cincinnati’s College of Business. But it wasn’t until 20 years later that she’d consider opening one of her own. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in business and marketing, Chan served as development director at the Vine Urban Redevelopment Corporation, a venture funded by the University of Cincinnati to revitalize the university’s neighboring Corryville community. During that time, she also served as a member in the University Village Business Association, where she applied for and received $150,000 from the city of Cincinnati to aid in her work with Corryville.

During this time, Chan also decided to put her business degree to work and invest in the restaurant business. From 1999 to 2007, Chan managed the Martino’s on Vine restaurant in Cincinnati—that marked the beginning of a storied career in the restaurant industry that continues today. But after years of managing, Chan was eager to step into an ownership role. That eventually led her to open a Rodizio Grill in Cincinnati. Later, she worked closely with Boardwalk Fries to relaunch the concept, and she’s gearing up to open a new prototype next to Disney World.

Now, she’s bringing that same passion for exceptional, family-friendly restaurants to Buffalo Wings & Rings, by opening her very own location in Orlando, Florida.

“Making the decision to become a business owner can be a difficult one—but it doesn’t have to be. I wanted to invest in a brand with a proven track record and a unique concept. Through a contact I had in the restaurant industry, I had learned more about Buffalo Wings & Rings’ incredible growth over the years and its strong return on investment for franchisees,” Chan said. “The brand’s commitment to quality has long set them apart in their segment, too. The fact that Buffalo Wings & Rings serves their food on real China dishes rather than paper, for example, shows that they go the extra mile to offer an unforgettable experience. It was the perfect opportunity to put my restaurant experience to good use and help this growing brand thrive even more.”

Although she had spent most of her life in Cincinnati, Chan recognized the potential for growth in Orlando. With no Buffalo Wings & Rings locations currently in the greater metropolitan area, Chan saw an opportunity to align the brand’s family-friendly concept with a city that’s wildly popular amongst parents and their children. Which is why her first location, which is set to open in early 2017, will be located near Sea World and the Orlando Convention Center.

“Thousands of families visit that area every day, and it can be hard to find a place that satisfies parents but is also inviting and accommodating to young children. Introducing a restaurant like Buffalo Wings & Rings will really help to improve the area and its food offerings,” Chan added. “I’ve always had a love for genuine, strong restaurant concepts, and I’m lucky to have found a place like Buffalo Wings & Rings. My goal now is to continue growing throughout the area at a steady pace over the next five years.”