Buffalo Wild Wings vs Tom and Chee Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
Investment $2,695,100 - $4,244,300$302,700 - $456,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%-
Advertising Fee 3.25%-
Year Founded 19822012
Year Franchised 19912017
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Tom and Chee Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Track record of success
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Tom and Chee Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Tom and Chee Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Tom and Chee Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion 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 Tom and Chee

    "Tom

    After expanding to more than 12 locations across seven states,
    Tom & Chee is poised for a new era of rapid growth. With a simplified business model, state-of-the-art training and technology, a new menu and restaurant design, and new leadership with over 50+ years in the franchise industry, Tom & Chee is ready to welcome passionate franchisees who want to own a business that brings joy and love to their communities. Here’s why Tom & Chee stands out as a wise sandwich & grilled cheese franchise investment:

    “Tom & Chee is creating a new category within the sandwich space,” says Roger David, CEO & President of Tom & Chee. “There’s something really special about our brand. We’re changing the game with our sandwich & grilled cheese franchise. It’s new, but also nostalgic. When our customers taste our food they think of Mom. They think of childhood with grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. We have created such a unique menu, with wonderful recipes and food made fresh in-house, and now we have a robust culture of franchise support that is going to take Tom & Chee to the next level. We’re looking for franchisees who are food-centric. If you love food, love people and love community, then you should be a part of a Tom & Chee.”

    The estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Tom & Chee Restaurant franchise ranges from $302,700 to $456,000. This includes $30,000 (if this is the first Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased), $15,000 (if this is your second, third or fourth Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) or $5,000 (if this is your fifth or greater Tom & Chee franchise you have purchased) that must be paid to the franchisor. The estimated initial investment does not include real estate, related improvement costs or tenant improvement allowances.