Buffalo Wild Wings vs Denny's
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Buffalo Wild Wings and Denny's are full-service restaurants franchises. Buffalo Wild Wings requires an investment of $2.5M – $4.9M while Denny's requires $1.6M – $3.1M. In terms of revenue, Buffalo Wild Wings reports higher average unit revenue at $3.6M. On SBA loan performance, Buffalo Wild Wings has a lower charge-off rate (0.0%) compared to Denny's (7.5%). FranchiseVerdict rates Buffalo Wild Wings A (Strongest tier) and Denny's A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Buffalo Wild Wings | Denny's |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $2.5M – $4.9M | $1.6M – $3.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $30K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4.5% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $3.6M | $1.9M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.0% (22 loans) | 7.5% (283 loans) |
| Total Units | 1,178 | 1,274 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1991 | 1994 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$2.5M – $4.9M
$1.6M – $3.1M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$30K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
4.5%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$3.6M
$1.9M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.0% (22 loans)
7.5% (283 loans)
Total Units
1,178
1,274
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1991
1994
FDD Year
2026
2025