Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2024)
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot
Initial franchise fee
$25,000
Investment required
$2,443,000 - $4,830,000
Buffalo Wild Wings: A Pioneer in Sports Bar Dining
Buffalo Wild Wings, a popular casual dining and sports bar franchise, was founded in 1982. It began offering franchise opportunities in 1991 and has since become a leading name in the dining industry, famed for its Buffalo-style chicken wings and diverse range of sauces. The company's headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Buffalo Wild Wings is renowned for its lively sports bar ambiance, serving an extensive menu that includes a variety of chicken wings, sandwiches, and other dishes, along with a selection of beverages, including alcoholic drinks. The franchise's sports-centric environment provides guests with an energetic venue to enjoy sports events, paired with a menu that appeals to various palates.
For prospective franchisees, Buffalo Wild Wings offers thorough training for the management team, ensuring the brand's high standards of quality and service are upheld. Franchisees are given a specific location within a designated area, guaranteeing a defined territory for their Buffalo Wild Wings establishment.
Initial investment
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount (New Free-Standing and Non-Traditional Location Sports Bars) | Amount (Non-Free Standing and Conversion of Existing Free-Standing Sports Bars) |
| Fees related to site approval | $1,200 to $53,800 | $1,200 to $53,800 |
| Initial franchise fee | $12,500 to $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Reimbursement of expenses and administrative fee for on-site training | $0 to $80,000 | $0 to $80,000 |
| Total Site Approval, Franchise and Training Fees | $13,700 to $158,800 | $26,200 to $158,800 |
| Architecture fees | $100,000 to $160,000 | $90,000 to $135,000 |
| Construction and leasehold improvements | $1,430,000 to $2,100,000 | $1,200,000 to $1,800,000 |
| Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other fixed assets | $775,000 to $925,000 | $570,000 to $850,000 |
| Audio/Visual equipment | $275,000 to $425,000 | $275,000 to $425,000 |
| Computer POS system/kitchen display unit | $28,245 to $50,520 | $28,245 to $50,520 |
| Office equipment and supplies | $6,000 to $13,000 | $6,000 to $13,000 |
| Sports memorabilia | $12,500 to $26,500 | $12,500 to $26,500 |
| Signage and graphics | $43,000 to $100,000 | $43,000 to $100,000 |
| Total Building/Construction/Equipment | $2,669,745 to $3,800,020 | $2,224,754 to $3,400,020 |
| Training expenses | $8,000 to $12,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 |
| Initial inventory | $15,000 to $19,000 | $15,000 to $19,000 |
| Insurance | $14,400 to $48,000 | $14,400 to $48,000 |
| Additional funds – 3 months | $100,000 to $150,000 | $100,000 to $150,000 |
| Rent | $7,500 to $40,000 | $7,500 to $40,000 |
| Lease and utility security deposits | $10,000 to $20,000 | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Grand opening advertising | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| Liquor license | $5,000 to $500,000 | $5,000 to $500,000 |
| Professional fees | $20,000 to $70,000 | $20,000 to $70,000 |
| Total Pre-Opening / Operating Deposits | $192,400 to $871,500 | $192,400 to $871,500 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $2,875,845 to $4,830,320 | $2,443,345 to $4,430,320 |
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Franchise Disclosure Document
Training
Buffalo Wild Wings ensures its franchisees are thoroughly equipped to manage their franchises through a detailed training program.
This comprehensive program is designed to provide the management team, including the Control Person, Unit General Manager, and at least two assistant managers, with the essential skills and knowledge needed for efficient Sports Bar operations. The training is structured into several key segments:
- HOH (Heart of House) Operations: This section focuses on back-of-house operations, including 10 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of on-the-job training at a National Certified Training Sports Bar (NCTSB).
- FOH (Front of House) Operations: Covering front-of-house activities, this segment includes 10 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of on-the-job training at an NCTSB.
- Running a Shift: Critical for ensuring smooth operations during different shifts, this training consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of on-the-job training at an NCTSB.
- Role-Specific Training: Tailored to particular roles within the Sports Bar, this segment offers 10 hours of classroom training and 90 hours of on-the-job training at an NCTSB.
While Buffalo Wild Wings does not charge for the initial training program, franchisees are responsible for their own travel, living expenses, and supply costs for themselves and their employees.
Territory Protection
Franchisees are granted the right to operate a Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar at a specific location approved by Buffalo Wild Wings. This location is situated within a "Designated Area" as outlined in the Franchise Agreement.
The Designated Area is intended exclusively for site selection and does not provide any territorial exclusivity or protection to the franchisees. This means that while franchisees have an assigned area for their operations, they do not possess exclusive rights to a broader territory.
