FranchiseBudget

Buffalo Wild Wings vs Dave & Buster's Franchise Cost 2026

Buffalo Wild Wings runs $1.6M–$3.9M. Dave & Buster's runs $5.7M–$15.6M. The gap at midpoint: $7.9M.

Buffalo Wild Wings

$1.6M–$3.9M

total investment

Investment Difference

$7.9M

Buffalo Wild Wings costs less

Dave & Buster's

$5.7M–$15.6M

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Buffalo Wild Wings Dave & Buster's Lower Cost
Total Investment $1.6M–$3.9M $5.7M–$15.6M Buffalo Wild Wings
Franchise Fee $50,000 $50,000 Buffalo Wild Wings
Royalty Rate 5.0% 5.0% Buffalo Wild Wings
Ad Fund Fee 3.5% 1.0% Dave & Buster's
Net Worth Required $1.5M $5.0M Buffalo Wild Wings
Liquid Capital $750K $2.5M Buffalo Wild Wings
Est. Break-Even 22.7 yr 20.9 yr Dave & Buster's

Buffalo Wild Wings Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$1.6M–$3.9M
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Royalty
5.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$3.5M
Full Buffalo Wild Wings Cost Breakdown →

Dave & Buster's Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$5.7M–$15.6M
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Royalty
5.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$8.5M
Full Dave & Buster's Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Buffalo Wild Wings costs $7.9M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Buffalo Wild Wings also wins on royalty rate.