Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. announced it has entered a 36-unit area development agreement for the metro-New York area with Four M Capital, Inc. a New York-based investment company. This agreement signals the beginning of the chain’s entrance to New England and the northeastern section of the United States, adding to the current number of 320 restaurants in 32 states.

Sally Smith, president and chief executive officer for Buffalo Wild Wings says, “This represents a very important step for our company and the Buffalo Wild Wings brand. We are very excited to be entering the metro-New York area and thrilled to have found such a capable and committed franchise partner as Four M Capital to lead the way. It is particularly gratifying that after having had tremendous success investing in other industries that Four M Capital viewed Buffalo Wild Wings as the best investment opportunity when it decided to enter the restaurant business. We expect Four M Capital to be a great addition to Buffalo Wild Wings.”

The area development agreement with Buffalo Wild Wings represents Four M Capital’s first venture in the restaurant industry. Four M Capital plans to develop locations in each of the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau County, NY, Bergen County, NJ, portions of Westchester County, NY, and portions of Southern Connecticut. The first opening is planned for winter 2005.

James Bitzonis, president of Four M Capital says, “We believe the restaurant business presents great opportunities, provided you partner with the right concept and the right management team. After reviewing a number of opportunities, we concluded Buffalo Wild Wings to be the best opportunity for us. The concept is a natural for this geographic area—there are millions of wings, beer, and sports fans and we can’t wait to provide them with a location that delivers these three essentials in an energetic, family-friendly environment. We were extremely impressed with the incredible growth that Buffalo Wild Wings has seen over recent years, and we are thrilled to be part of such a unique and successful concept.”

Additionally, the wing chain has signed an 11-unit deal for new franchised locations in southern Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and portions of the Mississippi Coast. The new units will join the Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Louisiana (4 restaurants), Florida (8 restaurants), Alabama (3 restaurants), and Mississippi (2 restaurants). Further, Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. recently signed a separate area development agreement for California with a five-unit deal.