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2022 BWW Franchisee Sports Bar Remodels: What’s New?
2022 BWW Franchisee Sports Bar Remodels: What’s New? What’s New?
It is that time when select Buffalo Wild Wings® sports bars are due for renovations, and franchisees are here to talk about their experiences.
About 20 franchisee-owned sports bars have been renovated so far in 2022. Every sports bar is contractually required to have a remodel every eight-10 years. Changes made are not limited to the building – furniture, equipment and landscaping are subject to be redone as well. Each remodel, on average, had a five-to-seven-day duration and required operations to be paused in the meantime.
Total makeovers were done for six sports bars owned by Ohio-based franchisee Grube Inc. Director of Development Edmond Farran said the restaurants received “the full remodel package.” All six remodels were converted from the generation four scheme to the center stage model. This included all new audiovisual equipment, a video wall, furniture, memorabilia and more.
Farran has noticed considerable improvements in restaurant operations since the changes were made. New service stations were implemented for the comfort of the staff as well as updated kitchen equipment. With the changes made, the restaurant’s revenue rose as well with the boosted morale of customers and team members.
Tenputt Inc. co-owner Dustin Crews converted his sports bar located in Jacksonville, Illinois, to a center stage model. He said that his staff was receptive to the changes and is pleased with them. Regular customers were quick to notice the improvements made and were happy with their new-and-improved sports bar.
The secret to success for Crews was to plan his renovations as far ahead as possible and start them well before his contractual due date. Because of strategic preparation, he was able to avoid issues with manufacturing and transportation delays. Most importantly, he noted, he avoided the recent rise in the inflated costs of goods and services.
“We started planning for the remodel in late May, early June last year and started construction in February,” Crews said. “I just didn’t want to run into any issues.”
Despite the major adjustments made with the renovation, the remodel for Crews was a streamlined process. With minimal issues with freight costs and receiving quotes, he said it went quickly and efficiently.
As renovation is an inevitable part of franchise ownership, planning well ahead can make remodels go smoothly and bring about improvements noticed by customers and team members alike. S
Dustin Crews’ remodeled dining room is stocked with new furniture, memorabilia and audiovisual equipment.
by Jared Johnsen
