Mark's Pizzeria vs Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Mark's Pizzeria vs Buffalo Wild Wings including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Investment $125,000 - $150,000$2,695,100 - $4,244,300
Franchise Fee $15,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 3%5%
Advertising Fee -3.25%
Year Founded 19821982
Year Franchised 19951991
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee 1/3 current franchise fee$5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
  • Track record of success

  • Financing Options

     
    Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Training As needed-
    Support Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 12

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 40 - 60

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Mark's Pizzeria Franchise
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Mark's Pizzeria

    The concept and business of Mark's Pizzeria began in 1982 as one of both necessity and inspiration to the founder, Mr. Mark Crane. With 29 restaurants across the Greater Rochester area, we serve up the tastiest pizza, calzones, subs, and wings outside of Italy! We'd like to thank our Rochester customers for voting us as the #1 Best Pizza in Rochester SIX times! For over 35 years, we've been providing delicious, quality food and service with a smile.

    Mark's Pizzeria began humbly in 1982 as a small pizza restaurant in Palmyra founded by Mark Crane. Even back then, our goals were to always put customers first and to make sure they left with a smile on their face. As we expanded to Fairport, Victor, Penfield, and other cities across Rochester, quality and service remained ingrained in our culture. We still use fresh dough that's made in-store every day, and natural ingredients you can actually taste. Whether you're ordering a hot sandwich, a loaded bomber sub, or a sheet pizza, you know that you're getting quality ingredients.

    At Mark's Pizzeria, we serve great food and treat our customers like family. We're proud to know our regulars, and some of our patrons have been coming to us for decades. Kids always get a free slushy, and everybody gets a taste of our classic Grandma's fried dough with cinnamon sugar; it's our way of saying thank you to the community. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat customer, we'll always provide friendly service with a smile. Stop by today to see the Mark's Pizzeria way of doing things!

    On top of that, we're also excited to offer you valuable coupons, redeemable in all locations across the Greater Rochester area. With virtually any order, you instantly qualify for one of our coupons, which you can use when ordering online or when you come to one of our restaurants. Just print out the applicable coupon, or enter the coupon code at checkout! After all, what's better than good food and good company? We can't think of much else, so why not have some of our amazing pizza with your loved ones?

    About Buffalo Wild Wings

    Buffalo Wild Wings got its start in 1981 after Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery moved from Buffalo, New York, to Kent, Ohio. Unable to find authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings in their new town, they decided to open up their own restaurant. Originally called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (see Kummelweck) from which the abbreviation BW3 was created, the restaurant became a franchise with over 350 locations across most states of the U.S. The company later changed its name to Buffalo Wild Wings and is no longer uses the short name BW3. The restaurant's theme is a sports bar / restaurant, and each location features multiple large screen televisions that are viewable from all seats. All locations also have game consoles devoted to NTN Trivia. Buffalo Wild Wings is best-known for its buffalo wings with 12 signature sauces. They also have a full menu featuring salads, appetizers, burgers, and specialty items.

    United States Franchising

    We require that our U.S. franchise candidates have a minimum of USD 750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of USD 1.5 million. Additionally, there is a minimum commitment to develop at least 2 restaurants.

    International Franchising

    We require that our international franchise candidates have a minimum of USD 5 million in liquid assets and net worth of USD 10 million. Additionally, there is a minimum commitment to develop at least 10 restaurants.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar franchise ranges from $2,695,100 to $4,244,300. This includes $10,000 to $55,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    If you sign an Area Development Agreement to develop multiple Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars, the total investment necessary to begin operation under the Area Development Agreement is $10,000 to $300,000. This includes $10,000 to $30,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.

    #159 in Franchise 500 for 2020.