Wingstop vs Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Wingstop Franchise
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Investment $376,300 - $724,200$2,695,100 - $4,244,300
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 4%3.25%
Year Founded 19941982
Year Franchised 19981991
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Wingstop Franchise
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience
  • Track record of success
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Wingstop 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/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Wingstop Franchise
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 139 hours Classroom Training: 48 hours-
    Support Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, 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 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% 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
     
    Wingstop Franchise
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Wingstop

    Wingstop Franchising LLC is the franchisor. Wingstop restaurants offer chicken wings in a variety of highly-seasoned flavors. They also offer fresh-cut French fries, other foods, and beverages, including beer and wine where legally permitted. A Wingstop franchise entitles the franchisee to operate one restaurant at an approved location.

    Veteran Incentives   $15,000 off first-store franchise fee
    ""      "Entrepreneur

    #42 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #22 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






    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.