Buffalo Wild Wings is a sports bar and casual dining franchise known for its wings, burgers, and wide selection of draft beers, offering a vibrant atmosphere to watch sports and socialize with friends.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
538
+
2%
2%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$2,450,000 - $4,883,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$3,443,000
+
4.1%
4.1%
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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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise is
$2,450,000 - $4,883,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount (Low to High)
Fees related to site approval
$1,200 to $53,800
Initial franchise fee
$25,000
Reimbursement of expenses and administrative fee for on-site training
$0 to $105,000
Total Site Approval, Franchise and Administrative Fees, and Expenses for On-Site Training
$26,200 to $183,800
Architecture fees
$90,000 to $135,000
Construction and leasehold improvements
$1,200,000 to $1,800,000
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other fixed assets
$570,000 to $850,000
Audio/Visual equipment
$275,000 to $425,000
Computer POS system/kitchen display unit
$28,245 to $50,520
Office equipment and supplies
$6,000 to $13,000
Sports memorabilia
$12,500 to $26,500
Signage and graphics
$43,000 to $100,000
Total Building/Construction/Equipment
$2,224,745 to $3,400,020
Training expenses
$15,000 to $40,000
Initial inventory
$15,000 to $19,000
Insurance
$14,400 to $48,000
Additional funds – 3 months
$100,000 to $150,000
Rent
$7,500 to $40,000
Lease and utility security deposits
$10,000 to $20,000
Grand opening advertising
$12,500
Liquor license
$5,000 to $500,000
Professional fees
$20,000 to $70,000
Total Pre-Opening / Operating Deposits
$199,400 to $899,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$2,450,345 to $4,483,320
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Type of Expenditure
Amount (Low to High)
Fees related to site approval
$1,200 to $53,800
Initial franchise fee
$25,000
Reimbursement of expenses and administrative fee for on-site training
$0 to $105,000
Total Site Approval, Franchise and Administrative Fees, and Expenses for On-Site Training
$26,200 to $183,800
Architecture fees
$90,000 to $135,000
Construction and leasehold improvements
$1,200,000 to $1,800,000
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other fixed assets
$570,000 to $850,000
Audio/Visual equipment
$275,000 to $425,000
Computer POS system/kitchen display unit
$28,245 to $50,520
Office equipment and supplies
$6,000 to $13,000
Sports memorabilia
$12,500 to $26,500
Signage and graphics
$43,000 to $100,000
Total Building/Construction/Equipment
$2,224,745 to $3,400,020
Training expenses
$15,000 to $40,000
Initial inventory
$15,000 to $19,000
Insurance
$14,400 to $48,000
Additional funds – 3 months
$100,000 to $150,000
Rent
$7,500 to $40,000
Lease and utility security deposits
$10,000 to $20,000
Grand opening advertising
$12,500
Liquor license
$5,000 to $500,000
Professional fees
$20,000 to $70,000
Total Pre-Opening / Operating Deposits
$199,400 to $899,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$2,450,345 to $4,483,320
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Buffalo Wild Wings's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Buffalo Wild Wings had 1183 total units in 2025, of which 538 were franchised-owned and 645 company-owned.
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.
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.
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