Cincinnati-based Buffalo Wings & Rings has its eyes on entry into the Milwaukee market. In fact, it has begun to put out feelers for local operators who will assist in bringing the brand to Wisconsin. 

Philip Schram, chief development officer for the family-friendly sports bar concept, says that when his team took a close look at Milwaukee, they were impressed by the plans they saw in motion. In particular, they noted the focus on development of the entertainment district Downtown, along with the desire to attract more young families to the area.

"Our menu focuses on innovative American fare, which means we’re a good fit for just about any location," notes Schram. "And who in the U.S. doesn’t like sports? But, it’s really the size of Milwaukee that makes it attractive for our concept. Milwaukee is a big city, but not too big. It’s not so unlike Cincinnati, where we are based."

Schram – who co-owns Buffalo Wings & Rings with partners Nader Masadeh and Haytham David – said they would like to see as many as three Milwaukee locations open within the next five years.

And he’s banking on not only the chain’s reputation for a higher-end sports bar experience, but also the company’s reputation as a great partner. Listed among "Franchise Business Review's" top 40 food franchises for 2016, Buffalo Wings & Rings has developed a reputation for delivering top-notch satisfaction among its franchisees.

"The brand is two-thirds of restaurants built by existing franchise owners," says Schram. "That demonstrates the relationship we foster."

The company, Shram says, also practices good citizenship in the communities in which it resides.

"We really emphasize giving back to the community," he says. "Last year, we created the Buffalove Foundation, an organization committed to fighting childhood hunger. And we use it to help our local operators to get more involved locally."

The casual, sit-down restaurant, which received national attention last year when it was featured on the CBS series "Undercover Boss," is known for both its affordable prices and its emphasis on trumping the atmosphere and service at typical sports bars and wing joints. It has done it through the development of clean, well-lit restaurants offering fresh, onsite prepared foods and unexpected options like salads with house-made dressing and chef-inspired specials like a chorizo nacho burger with parmesan-garlic-aioli fries.

"Thirty years ago, the owners had idea of bringing forward an elevated food and experience in comparison to other wing joints and sports bars," notes Schram. "And that experience is really what sets us apart and makes our restaurants appealing to young professionals and their families."

Buffalo Wings & Rings currently has 72 locations, 55 in the U.S. and 17 abroad.