brand Logo

Buffalo Wild Wings

Information based on 2024 FDD
Save
carousel-image-0
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if Buffalo Wild Wings is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1982
  • Franchising Since 1991
  • 533 US Franchises
  • $2,875,845 - $4,830,320 Investment Range
  • $3,342,748 Average Gross Revenue
  • 5% Royalty Fee
  • $12,500 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise.

Get pre-qualified for financing
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if Buffalo Wild Wings is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Description

Buffalo Wild Wings, fondly known as 'B-Dubs' to its loyal customers, has established itself as America's premier sports bar and wing destination since 1982. This iconic franchise combines the energy of a sports bar with casual family dining, creating an electric atmosphere where great food meets entertainment.

The restaurant's claim to fame is its extensive menu of signature wings, available in an impressive array of sauces and dry rubs ranging from mild to blazing hot. While wings are the star attraction, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a diverse menu including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers that cater to all tastes. The brand is particularly known for its carefully crafted sauce flavors, including fan favorites like Asian Zing, Caribbean Jerk, and their classic Buffalo sauce.

What truly sets Buffalo Wild Wings apart is its immersive sports-viewing experience. Each location features numerous high-definition TVs strategically placed throughout the restaurant, ensuring guests never miss a moment of the game. This commitment to sports entertainment has made it a go-to destination for everything from casual viewing to major sporting events.

The restaurant's layout typically includes both a family-friendly dining area and a separate bar section, making it suitable for both family outings and adult gatherings. The franchise has mastered the art of creating a lively, engaging atmosphere while maintaining high standards of food quality and customer service. Regular promotions, including their popular wing deals, have helped build a loyal customer base and establish Buffalo Wild Wings as a cornerstone of casual dining and sports entertainment in communities across America.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Buffalo Wild Wings?

$2,875,845
$4,830,320
Starting your own Buffalo Wild Wings franchise - complete with those famous boneless wings, craft beers, and sports-packed atmosphere - requires a total investment between $2,875,845 and $4,830,320, which covers everything from the franchise fee and kitchen equipment to build-out costs and working capital needed to bring that ultimate sports bar experience to your community.
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$12,500
Investment Range
$2,875,845 - $4,830,320
Investment Midpoint
$3,853,083
Minimum Cash Required
$2,875,845
Royalty Fees
5%
Brand Fund
3.75% - 4%
Brand Bragging Rights
1,185 units nationwide system scale
41-year proven operational track record
Premium sports entertainment dining experience
Proprietary POS and operational systems
Established national supplier relationships
Comprehensive training and marketing support
Financial Analysis
Buffalo Wild Wings requires a substantial investment of $2.9M to $4.8M, positioning it as a premium franchise opportunity requiring $1.5M minimum liquidity and $750K net worth. This investment significantly exceeds the wings sub-sector averages of $686K-$1.5M, reflecting the brand's full-service restaurant model with extensive sports bar infrastructure including stadium-like A/V technology and VIP spaces.

The sports bar segment benefits from strong consumer demand for experiential dining, with Americans increasingly seeking entertainment-focused venues. The franchise's 1,185 units and 41-year operational history since 1982 demonstrate proven system maturity and scalability. The reported $3.3M gross revenue substantially outperforms the sub-sector average of $1.7M, indicating strong unit-level performance potential.

The 5% monthly royalty structure and $25K franchise fee are reasonable relative to the investment scale. The brand's comprehensive support infrastructure includes proprietary POS systems, national marketing, and established supplier relationships. However, the high capital requirements limit accessibility to well-capitalized investors.

Ideal candidates possess restaurant management experience, particularly in full-service operations, given the complex sports bar model requiring food service, beverage operations, and entertainment management. The franchise suits investors seeking established brand recognition in high-traffic markets with strong sports demographics. Multi-unit development opportunities exist for qualified operators, though initial investment requirements necessitate substantial capital reserves and proven operational expertise.
Expected Investment Range
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!

Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Bar chart display investment range

Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!

Average Gross Sales
See the Revenue Potential!

Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.

Bar chart display gross sales

Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!

Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Buffalo Wild Wings. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
FranFund Logo

FranFund

Financing Partner

Learn More
CRF USA Logo

CRF USA

Financing Partner

Learn More
First Bank of the Lake Logo

First Bank of the Lake

Financing Partner

Learn More
Golden Capital Solutions Logo

Golden Capital Solutions

Financing Partner

Learn More
Location Analysis
Buffalo Wild Wings demonstrates strong regional presence across multiple states, with significant market penetration strategically concentrated in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The brand maintains notable presence in key markets like Michigan, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana, indicating robust market penetration in sports-centric, metropolitan areas with strong casual dining demand. The franchise maintains a solid customer satisfaction rating based on extensive customer feedback, suggesting consistent operational performance and brand satisfaction.

Successful locations typically feature proximity to sports venues, universities, and urban centers with high foot traffic. The Midwest concentration leverages strong sports culture and established brand recognition, while Virginia's significant presence indicates successful expansion into the Mid-Atlantic market. Growth opportunities exist in underserved Western and Southeastern states, particularly in markets with similar demographics to current successful locations.

Ideal locations should target areas with median household incomes above $50,000, strong sports following, and dense populations of young professionals and families. Competition from local sports bars and casual dining establishments should be considered, though Buffalo Wild Wings' established brand and sports-viewing experience provide competitive advantages in most markets. Future expansion should focus on untapped markets in remaining states, particularly those with strong sports cultures and growing suburban populations.
Total US Locations1185
Open Franchises533
Corporate Locations652
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.

Man looking at a map

Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!

Franchise Net Unit Growth
Track Growth to Gauge Success!

See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.

Line graph showing franchise net unit growth

Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.

Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Buffalo Wild Wings. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Buffalo Wild Wings's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Buffalo Wild Wings. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Buffalo Wild Wings's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Buffalo Wild Wings's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Franchises for you
Personalize Results

Spotlight Brand

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Frios Gourmet Pops

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$59,548
Founded2016
Franchise Units115+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Break Coffee

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$151,804
Min Investment$102,525
Founded2023
Franchise Units8+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Alsies

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$128,550
Founded2023
Franchise Units38+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

3Natives Acai Cafe

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,036,213
Min Investment$310,500
Founded2015
Franchise Units42+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$907,879
Min Investment$385,950
Founded2016
Franchise Units20+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Early Bird

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,884,808
Min Investment$397,500
Founded2017
Franchise Units3+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Jefferson's Franchise Systems

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$227,150
Founded1991
Franchise Units35+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Main Squeeze Juice Co

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$371,108
Min Investment$427,050
Founded2017
Franchise Units26+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Sourdough & Co.

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$719,490
Min Investment$286,000
Founded2015
Franchise Units80+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Goodness Bowls

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,417,859
Min Investment$334,405
Founded2019
Franchise Units1+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Cocky Rooster

Food & Beverage

Gross Revenue$1,560,490
Min Investment$455,250
Founded2020
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Jeff's Bagel Run

Food & Beverage

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$497,558
Founded2019
Franchise Units24+