How Buffalo Wings & Rings Plans To Increase Its Indiana Footprint

Buffalo Wings & Rings has big plans for growth in 2021, and its sights are set on Indiana.

With six locations already established, the elevated sports bar franchise plans bring more of its chef-inspired menu and franchise opportunities to fans across the Hoosier State.

“We are in unusual times, but we will always be in a state of evolution and continuous improvement,” said Thomas Flaherty, chief development officer of Buffalo Wings & Rings. “We have so many things to be excited about, and, in many ways, we have used these ‘unusual times’ wisely in planning to slingshot out of this [pandemic] into even greater growth than we otherwise would have experienced.”

Buffalo Wings & Rings is backed by a strong system and franchise brand that has grown to more than 80 locations since 1984 thanks to solid and empathetic franchise support, low financing interest rates and strong and dedicated franchisees who maintain their collaborative relationships with corporate through weekly calls, quarterly webcasts and annual conventions.

And with the bar set high, Buffalo Wings & Rings has jam-packed its growth strategy with franchisee incentives including: an entirely revamped restaurant design with an updated logo, a developmental incentive program that waives the initial $40,000 franchise fee and royalty fees for six months, and a new POS system with cutting-edge technological improvements.

The club-level sports franchise has room to grow all over Indiana, with 13 territories available in Indianapolis, five territories in Fort Wayne, five territories in Terre Haute and four territories in Evansville. The Cincinnati Metro area (which includes parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) has five available territories and the Louisville and Jefferson County, Indiana Metro area eight available territories.

“The growth potential in Indiana is vast,” said Flaherty. “We already have existing and thriving locations in the state, and these markets share similarities in what we are looking for as far as lifestyle, demographics and site criteria. Indiana is also a highly sports-oriented state, which bodes well for Buffalo Wings & Rings and its guests to enjoy the game with their friends and families. I see a lot of growth in the future in Indiana.”

Flaherty says that over the last year, the brand has been honing in on its standout offerings that have kept customers coming back and made franchisees feel supported during the pandemic. An emphasis on convenience and updated dining accommodations have kept momentum strong.

“What really sets us apart is our friendly, guest-focused customer service, our chef-driven menu and our focus on quality,” he said. “Convenience is also a factor, which is why we’ve remained highly competitive in tough times, whether our guests want to dine in, or pick up their food from our pickup valet lanes or curbside valet parking spots.”

But the buff [buck] doesn’t stop there; Buffalo Wings & Rings has plans to enter a new international market in 2021: Mexico. With locations already established in Europe and the Middle East, the brand is on its way to furthering its recognition as a global brand.

Looking ahead to 2021, Buffalo Wings & Rings isn’t just eager to grow — it's also looking to celebrate another year of commitment to its valued customers and hardworking franchisees.

“For our guests, it’s the opportunity to enjoy great food in a fun environment with friendly customer service. Every time,” he said. For our franchisees, it’s the opportunity to be in business for yourself — not by yourself — with a franchisor who is deeply committed to pursuing success together. The Roaring ‘20s are going to be great for our brand!”