Duff’s Famous Wings Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Duff’s Famous Wings is a casual dining franchise known for its authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings. The first Duff’s restaurant opened its doors in 1969 in Amherst, New York, when Louise Duffney transformed her neighborhood tavern into the birthplace of the now-famous wings.

Headquartered in Amherst, New York, Duff’s has remained a symbol of Western New York’s beloved food scene and continues to represent the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Incorporated as Duff’s Franchise Group, Inc. in November 2010, the brand started offering franchising opportunities the following year, in March 2011.

The Duff’s menu highlights fresh, never frozen, large roaster wings tossed in their exclusive sauces, complemented by burgers, sandwiches, sides, and beverages. The franchise stands out for its unwavering commitment to authentic Buffalo-style flavor, its time-tested proprietary sauce, and its consistent quality and service across every location.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Duff’s Famous Wings franchise? It costs on average between $535,000 – $1,155,000 to start a Duff’s Famous Wings franchised restaurant.

This covers expenses related to construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total investment for a Duff’s Famous Wings franchise varies based on several factors, such as the restaurant’s format, its location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the property.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$30,000
Real Estate Broker Fee	$0 – $6,300
Lease Deposit	$5,250 – $11,550
Utility Security Deposit	$2,625 – $5,250
Rent – 3 Months	$15,750 – $34,650
Architect/Design Fees	$13,650 – $26,250
Leasehold Improvements	$210,000 – $525,000
Equipment	$52,500 – $157,500
Signage	$5,250 – $15,750
Furniture and Fixtures	$78,750 – $115,500
Computer Hardware and Software	$1,680 – $2,625
POS System	$5,250 – $10,500
Office Equipment and Supplies	$5,250 – $15,750
Stationery and Initial Marketing Materials	$2,100 – $3,150
Initial Inventory	$31,500 – $52,500
Uniforms	$1,050 – $3,150
Licenses & Permits	$3,150 – $5,250
Professional Fees	$4,200 – $9,450
Insurance – Annual Premium	$12,600 – $26,250
Training Expenses	$12,600 – $25,200
New Restaurant Opening Expense	$5,250 – $10,500
Initial Marketing Campaign	$10,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$26,250 – $52,500
Total	$534,655 – $1,154,575

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Duff’s Famous Wings franchise? A Duff’s Famous Wings franchised restaurant makes on average $2,771,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Duff’s Famous Wings locations are there?

As of the most recent data, Duff’s Famous Wings operates a total of six locations across the United States.

What is the total investment required to open a Duff’s Famous Wings franchise?

The total investment required to open a Duff’s Famous Wings franchise ranges from $535,000 to $1,155,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Duff’s Famous Wings franchise?

Duff’s Famous Wings franchise requires an ongoing royalty fee of 5% of gross sales.

Who owns Duff’s Famous Wings?

Duff’s Famous Wings is owned by the Duff family, tracing its roots to Louise Duffney who opened the original location in Amherst, New York in 1946 and first served wings in 1969.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.