Buffalo Wild Wings vs East Coast Wings Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
East Coast Wings Franchise
Investment $2,695,100 - $4,244,300$661,375 - $1,098,570
Franchise Fee $25,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 3.25%2%
Year Founded 19821995
Year Franchised 19912004
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $5K25% of then current fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
East Coast Wings Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Track record of success
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    East Coast Wings Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    East Coast Wings Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 240 hours Classroom Training: 48 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO 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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 25 - 50


    Expansion Plans

     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    East Coast Wings Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 East Coast Wings

    East Coast Wings & Grill is a casual dining full service and counter service restaurant with an emphasis of buffalo style wings. East Coast Wings was originally founded in 1995. In 2000, Steve G. Kontos bought the concept, and in 2002, Sam G. Ballas joined with him, and re-organized it to what today's patrons know as "East Coast Wings & Grill".
    With their 46 years of combined restaurant experience, East Coast Wings & Grill has become a local favorite in all markets the brand has entered.
     National Winner 1st place - Traditional hot sauce and 2nd place - creative spicy
     Our famous wings have consistently won, "Best Wings" in most all markets entered. And to boot, our brand has a very diversified menu: with our overstuffed sandwiches, super salads, deli style specialties and taste-tempting appetizers.
    Unique to East Coast Wings & Grill is our over 75 different flavors and 675 combinations of wings - Teriyaki Ginger Garlic, Honey Barbeque, Mango Habanero, Jamaican Jerk, Blue Cheese, Honey Mustard, Bourbon Street, Kickin' Thai, Cajun and many more.
    Our infamous Buffalo Shrimp, which is available in our 75 flavors, 9 heat indexes and 675 combinations, has quickly become the next best thing to our famous wings.

    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee