Buffalo Wild Wings vs Schlotzsky's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Schlotzsky's Franchise
Investment $2,695,100 - $4,244,300$719,400 - $959,400
Franchise Fee $25,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 3.25%4%
Year Founded 19821971
Year Franchised 19911977
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
Schlotzsky's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Track record of success
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Schlotzsky's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
    Equipment No/No-/Yes
    Inventory No/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Schlotzsky's Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 240 hours Classroom Training: 50 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 Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media 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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise
    Schlotzsky's Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    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 Schlotzsky's

    Founded in 1971, Schlotzsky's is a pioneer in the fast casual restaurant category, offering customers an inviting restaurant feel, affordable meals throughout the day, and great food that has created a passionate following among customers throughout the country and the world. Our delicious and unique products, exciting, modern restaurant design, superior franchise support and committed ownership make a Schlotzsky's franchise a great business opportunity.  Joining the Schlotzsky's franchise family will open the door to an exciting future.

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee           

    "Entrepreneur
    #349 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #374 in Franchise 500 for 2021.