On September 7, 1987, Jay Lieser, a 21 year old Buffalo, New York native attending Indiana University noticed something missing. There wasn’t a place to get authentic Buffalo Wings. With the help of his parents, Ed and Trudy, they introduced the Buffalo Wing to Bloomington, Indiana! Jay named the restaurant after his grandfather, Louie Lieser, whose cigar-smoking caricature became the logo! What started as one small restaurant on the campus of Indiana University has grown into something much bigger than anyone could have imagined.
And now, 40 years later, we are proud to bring our world-famous wings, legendary food, family recipes, Hoosier Hospitality, and championship tradition to communities across the country through franchising. Sharing what has defined us since 1987.
BE A PART OF 40 YEARS OF WINNING!
The fast casual restaurant industry continues to grow, but lasting brands aren't built on trends. They're built on community, quality and a dedication to excellence. We have become a multi-generational favorite and nationally known brand because for the last 40 years and counting, we always treat our customers like family, serve food made with love, and create an atmosphere that feels like home. We are a family-owned restaurant built on 40 years of legendary food, community, Hoosier Hospitality, and Championship Tradition. Today, for the first time, that legacy is available through franchising.
40 YEARS OF WINNING TOGETHER
We opened our doors in 1987, the same year Bob Knight’s Indiana Basketball team won the National Championship. Since then, we have become woven into the fabric of Indiana University. We’ve grown alongside the nation’s largest alumni community, serving generations of Hoosiers. And now, in 2026, as the Indiana Hoosiers Football Team stands as the National Champions and we embark on this franchising journey, the championship tradition continues…
SUPERIOR PRODUCT
Voted one of America’s Top 10 Wing Joints by USA Today. Our fresh, never frozen chicken wings are always salt-brine cleaned, and paired with our family’s homemade sauces. Beyond our legendary wings, we have built a loyal following with our specialty burgers, handcrafted flatbreads, premium chicken sandwiches, super salads and a menu designed to keep guests coming back again and again!
4 DECADES OF BRAND EQUITY
As a franchisee, you will receive more than an operating system. You will inherit a championship playbook built over 4 decades, backed by the founding family, a winning culture, and a nationally recognized brand committed to helping you succeed every step of the way. You are inheriting 40 years of operational expertise, award-winning food, and instant credibility nationwide.
CHAMPIONSHIP SUPPORT
You will never have to “wing it” alone. You will always have the guidance of the founding-family, who will work alongside you through every decision. Providing the hands-on training and support you need to confidently open your restaurant, lead your team, serve your community, and grow your business!
BUILT ON COMMUNITY
The best restaurants aren’t built on great food alone. They’re built on how people are treated. Every guest who walks through our doors is treated as family, creating an experience that keeps them coming back.
Core Category Demand
Wings remain a high-frequency category supported by sports viewing, social occasions, and college markets – 1.2 billion consumed during the “Big Game” weekend alone.
Clear Quality Gap
Most national chain competitors rely on pre-frozen product. BuffaLouie’s uses fresh wings and saltwater brining for a distinct freshness advantage.
Experiential Dining
Consumer trends are shifting towards dine-in and social hubs, driving renewed growth in the sports bar segment.
First-Mover Advantage
With only 2 locations in 40 years, this is a true ground-floor opportunity to grow with an iconic brand.
Sports Viewership at Historic Levels
Live sports continue to be one of the strongest drivers of out-of-home social dining:
- Super Bowl LIX averaged a record 127.7 million viewers, making it the largest audience for any single-network telecast in U.S. history at the time.
- The 2025 NFL regular season averaged 18.7 million viewers per game – the highest average since 1989, up 10% YOY.
- 5.8% Growth in Digital Live Sports Audiences – Streaming is outpacing traditional live sports viewership growth in 2026, driving demand for high-quality sports bar experiences.
Secure Your
Franchise
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Minimum Initial Investment
$476,800
Including Franchise Fee & Training of gross sales
Royalty Fee
5%
of gross sales
THE FRANCHISE PROCESS
Franchising Made Simple
STEP 1 - Explore Your Opportunity
Complete our form on our website, and we will reach out to provide more information.
STEP 2 - Meet the Team
We will schedule an in-person or remote meeting to review your application and discuss details.
STEP 3 - Visit Us and See Our Business
Our franchise development representative will schedule a visit to our locations, where you can see our model in action.
STEP 4 - Review and Decide
We will send you a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and you will have 14 days to review the document.
STEP 5 - Join the Team
Apply for financing if needed, and then launch your franchise!
* This is not a franchise offering. A franchise offering can be made by us only in a state if we are first registered, excluded, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with an appropriate franchise disclosure document. Follow-up or individualized responses to you that involve either effecting or attempting to effect the sale of a franchise will be made only if we are first in compliance with state registration requirements, or are covered by an applicable state exclusion or exemption.
- (219) 746-0753
- 300 W. Ridge Rd, Gary, IN 46408
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