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Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Not ranked last year
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Initial investment
$992K - $3.1M
Units as of 2024
12 Decrease 7% over 3 years

When Buffalo’s Cafe first opened its doors in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, the founders probably didn’t believe just how far it would grow over the years. Founded on the basic principles of a family business, which were fresh ingredients and tasty menu items, this restaurant continues to dish up wings, sauces, and other menu items that are a hit with their growing consumer base.

Since beginning to franchise in 1990, Buffalo’s Cafe has opened several locations and has maintained a successful business for multiple decades.

Why You May Want To Start a Buffalo’s Cafe Franchise

Buffalo’s Cafe signature is found in its buffalo wings and wide selection of over one dozen distinctive sauces. However, they not only serve wings, but have a host of menu items, including burgers, salads, steaks, and a host of classic American foods.  It franchises under the FAT Brands Inc. family.

Buffalo’s Cafe themes its dining concept around family. Therefore it would be great if a potential franchisee holds family values close to their heart. Additionally, franchisees should be good team players with a knack to learning on the job. Customer service is also a key asset to have as a potential franchisee.

A franchisee should be prepared to synergize with the family concept and bring their A-game to the business. A franchisee will be part of a vibrant business; they should be ready to keep up. 

What Might Make a Buffalo’s Cafe Franchise a Good Choice?

Buffalo’s Cafe prides itself on its buffalo wings. The consistent size, flavor, and texture have been the backbone behind their success over all these years. The founders claim that “they made wings a thing, and now, wings are their thing.”

If you are also keen on investing in international markets, then this may just be the right opportunity for you. Buffalo’s Cafe’s parent company, FAT Brands Inc., is looking to venture into more international markets as well as domestic markets.

To be part of Buffalo’s Cafe franchise team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company’s set net worth and liquid capital requirements. 

How To Open a Buffalo’s Cafe Franchise

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement with Buffalo’s Cafe, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. As part of your due diligence, you may want to speak to existing franchisees and ask the Buffalo’s Cafe franchising team questions. 

Buffalo’s Cafe offers franchisees support in operation, architecture and design, equipment selection, training, and recruitment support. A franchisee will also not be left in the dark concerning advertising and marketing, as well as purchasing support. When you are ready to open your doors to the public, the franchise team will be at hand to ensure that your location has the potential to succeed. 

Find Your Perfect Franchise

Company Overview

About Buffalo's Cafe

Industry Food
Related Categories Miscellaneous Full-Service Restaurants, Chicken
Founded 1985
Parent Company FAT Brands Inc.
Leadership Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer
Corporate Address 9720 Wilshire Blvd., #500
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Social Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1990 (35 years)
# of employees at HQ 335
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchises worldwide.

# of Units 12 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Buffalo's Cafe franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$50,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$992,300 - $3,115,600
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$1,500,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$500,000
Royalty Fee Information Circle
6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
4%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
15 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Buffalo's Cafe has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 76 hours
Classroom Training 24 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Meetings & Conventions
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
Website Development
Email Marketing

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 15-30
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022