Buffalo Wings & Rings Reaches Milestone of 50 Locations with Opening of Family-Owned Franchise in Weslaco, Texas

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Nation's Fastest-Growing Chain Will Open Eight More Restaurants in 2009

CINCINNATI, Aug. 13 // PRNewswire // -- Buffalo Wings & Rings, the fastest-growing privately owned chain of franchise restaurants in the United States, has reached an important milestone in its journey to become a premier name among affordable, family-friendly eateries: The grand opening of its 50th location. With the start of business at a brand new Weslaco, Texas, eatery, the company has 50 locations in a 14-state footprint. The 164-seat south-Texas restaurant is owned and operated by Roberto and Maria Vela, and their sons Roberto Jr. and Rodrigo.

"As our 50th location, Weslaco represents how far -- and how fast -- this fantastic company has spread its wings, so to speak," said Philip Schram, president of Buffalo Wings & Rings. "Our chain has doubled in size since January because there is a great need for affordable family-friendly dining. Now more than ever, Buffalo Wings & Rings is the ideal venue for friends and family to enjoy great food at a great value."

Capping off a period of significant growth, Buffalo Wings & Rings is holding signed contracts to establish 110 more restaurants across the nation, and will open eight more by the end of 2009 in California, Indiana and Texas. Despite lagging economic conditions, the Buffalo Wings & Rings model is thriving as a result of menu items with broad-based appeal and a relaxed atmosphere.

Backed by unparalleled support for franchise operators, the focus of Buffalo Wings & Rings is to invest in the basic tools that make a franchise successful. In-house real estate professionals start with site selection, which is often key to a restaurant's success. To provide operational service and support, the company has developed a new IT assistance program and an industry-leading training center. And strategic outreach efforts are enhancing brand awareness nationwide.

As a signal of continuous growth, Buffalo Wings & Rings achieved the top spot last year on Restaurant Business magazine's annual "The Future 50" list, a ranking of the top 50 fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country. The company was also listed in the top 500 franchisers in the January 2009 issue of Entrepreneur.

"Buffalo Wings & Rings is growing steadily as economic indicators fluctuate because we are a company dedicated to supporting bottom-line, unit-level profitability," Schram added. "We will continue to build upon our exceptional brand by offering the value proposition of premium menu items at affordable prices, and by focusing on outstanding customer service. We are proud of our achievements, but there is much more to accomplish."

Buffalo Wings & Rings boasts a wide array of fare suited to both adults and children, including traditional and boneless Buffalo-style wings, and hand-breaded chicken tenders -- all available with nine signature Buffalo Wings & Rings sauces and five levels of customized heat. Guests are encouraged to dunk their favorite wings in the Buffalo Wings & Rings homemade bleu cheese dressing. The menu also features massive burgers, crisp salads and authentic charbroiled gyros, plus a full range of appetizers, including nachos, chili-drenched sloppy fries, popcorn shrimp, mozzarella sticks and the chain's namesake "Rings" -- curly-q fries available with or without Cajun seasoning.

About Buffalo Wings & Rings

Buffalo Wings & Rings is the fastest-growing privately owned franchised chain of restaurants in the nation serving Buffalo-style chicken wings, onion rings, burgers, chicken and salads. Founded in 1988 in Cincinnati, OH, Buffalo Wings & Rings operates franchised restaurants throughout the United States. Buffalo Wings & Rings was ranked the #1 fastest growing restaurant chain nationwide in the July 2008 issue of Restaurant Business, and ranked in the top 500 franchises in the January 2009 issue of Entrepreneur.

SOURCE Buffalo Wings & Rings

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