IMAGE: Courtesy of Buffalo Wings & Rings
This will be the first time that the sports restaurant franchise has opened south of the border.
Buffalo Wings & Rings, a sports restaurant franchise with 85 units throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, has signed a development deal with Grupo Pera to open 11 units throughout Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, and Coahuila, Mexico.
The first of these sites is scheduled to open in 2021, with the remaining 10 planned to open through 2027.
“We are very excited to introduce Buffalo Wings & Rings to the people of Mexico,” said Sebastian Peña, CEO of Grupo Pera. “To open 10-plus locations over five to seven years is ambitious; however, we believe that our experience opening and operating numerous other top-tier global brands, such as KFC, Pizza Hut and IHOP, has provided a great foundation for growth with our new brand, Buffalo Wings & Rings. We also plan to expand with even more locations throughout Mexico, after our initial development schedule is completed.”
Grupo Pena was founded in 1990 and has a portfolio of gas station locations, as well as American franchise concepts including KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr., and IHOP.
“I’ve been involved in international business for a long time with other brands, and it is always a humbling experience to expand into a new international market. This is exciting for Grupo Pera and for Buffalo Wings & Rings and we look forward to a long and meaningful relationship together,” said Thomas Flaherty, CDO for Buffalo Wings & Rings.
“They have expertise in every range of the business. It is a big win to have experienced operators like them interested in expanding with us and helping us break into such an exciting new international marketplace.”
Grupo Pena’s long-term vision is to become a master franchisee for Buffalo Wings & Rings, and build more stores throughout Mexico alongside a network of sub-franchisees working alongside them.
“Our organization knows that it takes a lot of things to operate successful restaurants, not least of which is: solid site locations; great operations; candid and collaborative communication with the franchisor; and an effective marketing strategy,” said Peña. “We look very forward to welcoming guests to our new restaurants, where everyone can enjoy our chef-driven menu and be treated like true VIPs!”
