Buffalo’s Cafe Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Buffalo’s Cafe was established in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, by David Hyde and Ralph Perella. What started as a single, family-oriented restaurant centered around authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings soon became known for its rustic Southwestern atmosphere and its signature wings—fresh, never frozen, and coated in one of 13 to 18 house-crafted sauces.
The company began franchising in 1991 through Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts, Inc., gradually expanding to roughly a dozen full-service restaurants across the United States.
In addition, the brand operates more than 75 fast-casual Buffalo’s Express locations, many of which share space with Fatburger restaurants. Since joining the FAT Brands portfolio in 2011, Buffalo’s Cafe has been based in Los Angeles, California.
Today, the franchise features a diverse menu that extends beyond wings to include burgers, ribs, steaks, tacos, wraps, salads, and desserts, complemented by a full bar. Its fast-casual counterpart, Buffalo’s Express, offers the same core favorites in a smaller, streamlined setting, often paired with Fatburger for a dual dining concept.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Buffalo’s Cafe franchise? It costs on average between $568,000 – $2,529,000 to start a Buffalo’s Cafe franchised restaurant.
This investment covers expenses related to construction, furnishings, kitchen equipment, initial inventory, and early operational costs. The total amount varies based on several factors such as the restaurant’s size and format, its location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or buy the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Fee | $50,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements; Construction Costs | $195,000 – $1,250,000 |
| Equipment, Decor & Furnishings | $150,000 – $650,000 |
| Signage | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Point of Sale Systems (POS) and Related Technology | $19,920 – $30,900 |
| Restaurant Small Wares | $10,800 – $30,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $9,600 – $26,000 |
| Security Deposits (Utilities, etc.) | $3,600 – $13,000 |
| Insurance and Bonds | $3,600 – $15,600 |
| Rent | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Legal, Accounting, Licenses, Permits) | $7,500 – $95,000 |
| Liquor Licenses and Fees | $5,000 – $75,000 |
| Grand Opening & Marketing Materials | $15,000 |
| Training | $48,000 – $78,000 |
| Additional Funds (Three Months) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Total | $568,020 – $2,528,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Buffalo’s Cafe franchise? A Buffalo’s Cafe franchised business makes on average $2,151,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Buffalo’s Cafe locations are there?
As of the most recent data, Buffalo’s Cafe operates approximately 13 franchised full-service restaurants in the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Buffalo’s Cafe franchise?
The total investment required to open a Buffalo’s Cafe franchise ranges from $569,000 to $2,529,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Buffalo’s Cafe franchise?
Buffalo’s Cafe franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 5% of gross sales. In addition, they contribute up to 4% of gross sales toward a marketing and advertising fund, which supports national and regional promotional initiatives, brand development, and advertising materials.
Who owns Buffalo’s Cafe?
The Buffalo’s Cafe franchise is owned by FAT Brands Inc., a global franchising company based in Los Angeles, California.
Disclaimer
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