Buffalo's Southwest Cafe Opens First Missouri Location

Buffalo's Franchise Concepts Inc. (BFCI), franchisor of Georgia-based Buffalo's Southwest Cafe restaurants, brings its southwestern concept to Sullivan, Mo., today with the company's first franchised Restaurant in the state of Missouri. It is located at 320 Park Ridge Road, next to the Wal-Mart Super Center off Interstate Highway 44.

The restaurant is highly visible off I-44, with its tower and large buffalo head with wings trademark sign on top, which can be seen from about a quarter of a mile, said Myles Posner, who, along with his wife, Deronda Posner, are BFCI franchisees and owners of the restaurant. "Our location is in an area that is expected to become a 'hot spot' for new development in Sullivan and southwest Franklin County."

Buffalo's newest location is west of St. Louis. The restaurant expects to draw customers from four counties, which includes Franklin, Crawford, Washington and western St. Louis, along with interstate travelers from across the United States.

The 7,000-square-foot establishment seats approximately 300 people and has a separate cantina area with a small private meeting room, along with a 60-seat banquet room. There are future plans for a screened-in patio area. The Posners have a total of 90 employees.

A resident of Sullivan and native of Kansas City, Mo., Myles Posner has a strong background in the restaurant business, having managed and supervised franchise restaurants for 20 years. In addition, he had owned and operated a Ponderosa Steakhouse. Posner will be director of operations and be involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. His wife, Deronda, is a Sullivan native. She has owned and operated her own accounting practice for more than 25 years. She will serve as the restaurant's accountant and co-operator."

"Myles is an experienced restaurant operator with the drive and vision to do great things for Buffalo's Southwest Cafe in Missouri," said Ray Cabana, BFCI president and CEO. "The Sullivan restaurant continues our expansion into the Midwest."

Named a "Regional Powerhouse Chain" in 2002 by Nation's Restaurant News, Buffalo's Southwest Cafe offers an award-winning menu that includes its world-famous Buffalo-style chicken wings in several taste varieties. Other favorites -- all cooked-to-order -- include steaks, ribs, fajitas, chili, quesadillas, catfish, wraps, burgers and a variety of appetizers. The menu also has homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Each restaurant helps tells the story of the Old Southwest while providing a unique dining experience. With wooden floors and distressed metal ceilings, the restaurants also feature antiques, artifacts, western memorabilia and hundreds of period photographs lining rustic wooden walls. High-back booths, the primary seating, each sport a different theme such as gunslingers, outlaw posters, Indians, lawmen and railroads.

Founded in 1985, Buffalo's Southwest Cafe has 50 restaurants in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio, with new units under construction. A seven-restaurant development agreement for Las Vegas was recently executed. The company plans to continue its aggressive growth, with expansion predominantly in the Southeast, Southwest and Midwest regions. Buffalo's Southwest Cafe is based in Marietta, GA.