Duff’s Famous Wings is a full-service restaurant franchise specializing in authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings. The original location opened in 1969 in Amherst, New York, where the tavern run by Louise Duffney first served their famed wings.

The company is headquartered in Amherst, New York, and continues to be a proud representative of Western New York’s iconic food culture.

Duff’s Franchise Group, Inc., incorporated in November 2010, began offering franchise opportunities in March 2011.

Duff’s menu features fresh, never frozen, roaster-sized wings coated in signature sauces, alongside burgers, sandwiches, sides, and drinks. What sets Duff’s apart is its dedication to delivering genuine Buffalo-style wings rooted in a long local tradition, its proprietary sauce recipe, and its focus on consistency and quality across all locations.

Training

Duff’s Famous Wings provides an extensive training program for its franchisees, designed to ensure that all operational and management standards are upheld. The training includes both mandatory and optional programs, covering various aspects of running a franchise.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees, including the Operating Principal, General Manager, and Head Cook, must attend and complete an initial training program at the company’s headquarters in Williamsville, NY, at least 30 days before opening. This program is provided at no cost for up to four attendees (excluding expenses). Additional participants incur a training fee. The curriculum includes classroom and on-the-job training across subjects such as advertising, inventory management, management procedures, personnel issues, and front/back of house operations.
2. Pre-Opening and Opening Assistance
   Up to three trained representatives from Duff’s Famous Wings will be dispatched for 7–10 days of on-site training, supervision, and support during the pre-opening and opening phases of the restaurant. Franchisees are responsible for reimbursing all related expenses. This support is only guaranteed for the first restaurant; additional locations may not receive the same support.
3. Additional and Refresher Training
   Franchisees may request further on-site training during the term of the agreement. This is subject to staff availability and requires payment of a per diem fee ($350) plus travel, lodging, and meal expenses. The franchisor may also mandate refresher training or seminars for the franchisee or key personnel.
4. Ongoing Evaluation and Requirements
   The franchisor evaluates whether the required personnel have satisfactorily completed the training. If not, replacements must be trained before the restaurant can open. Also, subsequent designations to these roles must go through the training program.
5. Annual Franchisee Meetings
   Duff’s reserves the right to host annual franchisee meetings which may include additional training components. Attendance may be mandatory and subject to registration fees and personal expenses.

Territory Protection

Duff’s Famous Wings provides franchisees with a designated "Protected Area" rather than an exclusive territory. This Protected Area is typically based on population metrics, generally covering between 45,000 to 50,000 people and described using contiguous zip codes.

Within this zone, the franchisor agrees not to license or operate another Duff’s Famous Wings restaurant, as long as the franchisee complies with the terms of the agreement.

However, this territorial protection has important limitations. Franchisees may still face competition from Duff’s outlets at non-traditional sites (e.g., airports, stadiums) and from products sold via alternative distribution channels such as grocery stores or online platforms.