Buffalo Wild Wings vs Melt Shop Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Buffalo Wild Wings vs Melt Shop including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$2,695,100 - $4,244,300 | $368,240 - $698,800 |
Franchise Fee |
$25,000 | $35,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | 6% |
Advertising Fee |
3.25% | 2% |
Year Founded |
1982 | 2010 |
Year Franchised |
1991 | 2017 |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | 5 Years +5+5+5 |
Term Of Agreement |
10 years | 5 Years +5+5+5 |
Renewal Fee |
$5K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
General business experience Track record of success | Melt Shop is seeking well capitalized partners who are entrepreneurial and have a strong knowledge of their market. The ideal franchisee is a proven multi-unit operator in the restaurant industry. At this time we are not offering sub-franchises. |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/No | -/Yes |
Start-up Costs |
No/No | -/Yes |
Equipment |
No/No | -/Yes |
Inventory |
No/No | -/Yes |
Receivables |
No/No | -/Yes |
Payroll |
No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | On-The-Job Training: 224 hours
Classroom Training: 24 hours
|
Support |
Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter
Meetings/Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform |
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Regional Advertising
Social media
Website development
Email marketing
Loyalty program/app
|
Operations |
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) |
Number of Employees Required to Run: 15
|
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
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.
About Melt Shop
Melt Shop believes that one quality, more than any other, determines the success
of a concept: the strength of the brand and its connection to guests.
Melt Shop was built upon that premise
Seeking multi-unit franchisees with strong restaurant and
hospitality experience and a shared dedication to operational excellence
who have a strong knowledge of their market. The ideal franchisee is a
proven multi-unit operator in the restaurant industry. At this time we
are not offering sub-franchises.