Buffalo’s Cafe Announces Expansion of Fast Casual Model in France
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) has announced plans to expand its Buffalo's Cafe restaurant chain in France through a partnership with Big M CIE. The expansion includes opening 10 new locations over the next three years, with the first three units scheduled to open by 2026. The company is introducing a new fast casual model with a smaller footprint to facilitate global growth.
The expansion agreement follows Big M CIE's previous commitment to open 30 Fatburger locations in France, bringing their total FAT Brands commitment to 40 locations. Buffalo's Cafe, founded in 1985, is known for its Buffalo-style chicken wings and house-made wing sauces. FAT Brands currently owns 18 restaurant brands and operates over 2,300 units worldwide.
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) ha annunciato l'espansione della catena di ristoranti Buffalo's Cafe in Francia attraverso una partnership con Big M CIE. Il piano prevede l'apertura di 10 nuove sedi nei prossimi tre anni, con le prime tre unità programmate per il 2026. L'azienda introdurrà un nuovo modello fast casual con uno spazio ridotto per facilitare la crescita globale.
L'accordo di espansione segue l'impegno precedente di Big M CIE di aprire 30 locali Fatburger in Francia, portando il totale degli impegni di FAT Brands a 40 sedi. Buffalo's Cafe, fondato nel 1985, è noto per le sue ali di pollo in stile Buffalo e le salse artigianali. FAT Brands possiede attualmente 18 marchi di ristorazione e gestisce oltre 2.300 unità in tutto il mondo.
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) ha anunciado planes para expandir su cadena de restaurantes Buffalo's Cafe en Francia mediante una asociación con Big M CIE. La expansión incluye la apertura de 10 nuevas ubicaciones en los próximos tres años, con las primeras tres unidades programadas para abrir en 2026. La compañía está introduciendo un nuevo modelo fast casual con un espacio más reducido para facilitar el crecimiento global.
El acuerdo de expansión sigue al compromiso previo de Big M CIE de abrir 30 locales Fatburger en Francia, lo que eleva el compromiso total de FAT Brands a 40 ubicaciones. Buffalo's Cafe, fundado en 1985, es reconocido por sus alitas de pollo estilo Buffalo y sus salsas caseras. FAT Brands actualmente posee 18 marcas de restaurantes y opera más de 2,300 unidades a nivel mundial.
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT)는 Big M CIE와의 파트너십을 통해 프랑스에서 Buffalo's Cafe 레스토랑 체인을 확장할 계획을 발표했습니다. 이번 확장 계획에는 향후 3년 내에 10개의 신규 매장을 오픈하는 것이 포함되며, 첫 3개 매장은 2026년까지 오픈할 예정입니다. 회사는 글로벌 성장을 촉진하기 위해 소규모 공간의 새로운 패스트 캐주얼 모델을 도입하고 있습니다.
이번 확장 계약은 Big M CIE가 프랑스에 30개의 Fatburger 매장을 열겠다는 이전 약속에 따른 것으로, FAT Brands의 총 약속 매장 수는 40개에 이릅니다. 1985년에 설립된 Buffalo's Cafe는 버팔로 스타일 치킨 윙과 직접 만든 윙 소스로 유명합니다. FAT Brands는 현재 18개의 레스토랑 브랜드를 소유하고 전 세계에 2,300개 이상의 매장을 운영 중입니다.
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) a annoncé son projet d'expansion de la chaîne de restaurants Buffalo's Cafe en France via un partenariat avec Big M CIE. Cette expansion prévoit l'ouverture de 10 nouveaux établissements au cours des trois prochaines années, les trois premiers devant ouvrir d'ici 2026. L'entreprise introduit un nouveau modèle fast casual avec une surface plus réduite pour faciliter la croissance mondiale.
L'accord d'expansion fait suite à l'engagement antérieur de Big M CIE d'ouvrir 30 restaurants Fatburger en France, portant l'engagement total de FAT Brands à 40 établissements. Fondé en 1985, Buffalo's Cafe est reconnu pour ses ailes de poulet à la sauce Buffalo et ses sauces maison. FAT Brands possède actuellement 18 marques de restaurants et exploite plus de 2 300 unités dans le monde.
FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) hat Pläne angekündigt, seine Restaurantkette Buffalo's Cafe in Frankreich durch eine Partnerschaft mit Big M CIE auszubauen. Die Expansion umfasst die Eröffnung von 10 neuen Standorten innerhalb der nächsten drei Jahre, wobei die ersten drei Filialen bis 2026 eröffnet werden sollen. Das Unternehmen führt ein neues Fast-Casual-Modell mit kleinerer Fläche ein, um das globale Wachstum zu erleichtern.
Die Expansionsvereinbarung folgt auf das frühere Engagement von Big M CIE, 30 Fatburger-Standorte in Frankreich zu eröffnen, womit sich das Gesamtengagement von FAT Brands auf 40 Standorte erhöht. Buffalo's Cafe, gegründet 1985, ist bekannt für seine Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings und hausgemachten Wing-Saucen. FAT Brands besitzt derzeit 18 Restaurantmarken und betreibt weltweit über 2.300 Einheiten.
- Expansion into French market with 10 new Buffalo's Cafe locations
- Strategic partnership with Big M CIE includes total commitment of 40 locations across brands
- New fast casual model with smaller footprint enables faster global expansion
- Demonstrates successful execution of international growth strategy
- None.
Insights
Buffalo's Cafe shifts to fast-casual model for French expansion, signaling strategic adaptation and operational efficiency for international growth.
Buffalo's Cafe's expansion into France with a new fast-casual model represents a significant strategic evolution for this 40-year-old American wing chain. By unveiling a smaller-footprint concept specifically designed for international markets, FAT Brands is tackling two challenges simultaneously: adapting their traditional full-service model to enhance scalability while creating a more capital-efficient entry strategy for premium-cost European real estate markets.
The partnership architecture is particularly noteworthy. By leveraging the same development group that committed to 30 Fatburger locations, FAT Brands creates a 40-unit multi-brand presence in France. This approach generates operational synergies in supply chain management, marketing resources, and localized market knowledge – essentially creating a mini restaurant platform within a single country.
The measured rollout timeline (10 locations over three years with the first three by 2026) indicates a calculated market entry strategy. This pacing allows for concept refinement and consumer feedback incorporation before accelerating expansion. For a cuisine centered on American-style chicken wings, this methodical approach is prudent in a market with deeply entrenched culinary traditions.
The fast-casual pivot also positions Buffalo's to better capture evolving consumer behavior patterns that prioritize convenience without sacrificing food quality – a trend accelerating across global markets. By reimagining Buffalo's traditional full-service model that has defined the brand since 1985, FAT Brands demonstrates willingness to evolve core concepts to meet specific market conditions rather than forcing rigid templates into new territories.
FAT Brands secures 40-unit French expansion deal, demonstrating portfolio strength and franchisee confidence in their multi-brand development strategy.
FAT Brands' expansion of Buffalo's Cafe into France demonstrates effective execution of their multi-concept franchising strategy. This 10-unit development agreement, combined with 30 previously announced Fatburger locations with the same partner, creates a substantial 40-restaurant pipeline in a single European market. For context, while meaningful, these locations represent incremental growth for a company operating over 2,300 restaurants across 18 brands.
The introduction of a smaller-footprint fast-casual model has significant economic implications. This format typically requires 15-25% lower initial investment from franchisees compared to full-service concepts while maintaining comparable royalty streams for the parent company. This improved capital efficiency likely enhances unit-level economics and accelerates development timelines, particularly important when entering new markets.
The expansion specifically through Buffalo's Cafe rather than other concepts in FAT Brands' portfolio suggests strategic diversification of their European presence beyond burgers. By introducing their wing-focused concept alongside Fatburger, the company creates complementary rather than cannibalistic growth.
For investors, this agreement demonstrates continued franchise partner confidence in FAT Brands' concepts and support infrastructure. The ability to secure multi-brand, multi-unit development commitments from the same partner suggests strong franchisee satisfaction and system economics. The phased rollout approach (first three units by 2026) indicates disciplined expansion prioritizing successful market establishment over rapid but potentially unsustainable growth.
All-American Wing Chain to Open 10 Locations in Country over Next Three Years
LOS ANGELES, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Buffalo’s Cafe and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces the expansion of Buffalo’s Cafe in France in partnership with the group behind Big M CIE, opening 10 units in the country with the first three units set to open by 2026. To coincide with the new locations, the beloved wing brand is unveiling a fast casual model with a smaller footprint to position itself for greater growth across the globe.
“The launch of a new Buffalo’s Cafe fast casual model in France represents a significant milestone in our growth trajectory of the brand, and opens up the door to additional expansion opportunities,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Co-CEO and Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “This announcement also follows Medhi Bella and his team signing a commitment to open 30 Fatburger locations across France—opening a total of 40 locations with FAT Brands. We see a bright future ahead with this partnership as we continue to grow our iconic, all-American brands in the country.”
For 40 years, Buffalo’s Cafe has been known for its authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings, house-made wing sauces and family-friendly environment.
For more information on Buffalo’s Cafe, visit www.buffalos.com.
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About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
About Buffalo’s Cafe
Founded in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, the family-themed casual dining chain, known for its world-famous chicken wings and 18 unique homemade wing sauces, burgers, wraps, steaks, and salads has been serving fresh southwestern themed cuisine for 40 years. Featuring a full bar and table service, Buffalo’s Cafe offers an unparalleled dining experience affording friends and family the flexibility to enjoy an intimate dinner together or to casually catch the next sporting event while enjoying robust menu offerings. Buffalo’s - Where Everyone Is Family™. For more information, visit www.buffalos.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we” or “our”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509
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