The Chilean chain Buffalo Waffles began its operations in 2013, in a small store located in the center of Santiago. Nine years later, this venture became one of the most successful nationwide, with growth that even managed to sustain itself in the harshest times of the coronavirus pandemic.
In fact, the company managed to close the year 2020 with 23 stores throughout the country, while in 2021 it continued with its franchise strategy, reaching 42 points of sale. And despite the economic difficulties this year, the company closed openings in La Calera, Talca, Talagante, Providencia, Melipilla and the Alameda Bus Terminal in Santiago.
“Although we had a good 2022, a demanding year is coming for the industry. In an environment of declining margins and shrinking economy, it is essential to operate stores efficiently, using multiple reports to minimize losses. We expect a 2023 of moderate growth, incubating new points during the first semester to reap the fruits in the second”assured thomas schulzefounding partner of the company.
The company, which already has a presence in 11 regions of Chileprojects the opening of eight new branches in 2023, especially in the north of the country, in addition to the recent opening of the first location in the city of Los Angeles, Biobío Regionwhich opened its doors last Tuesday.
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Since 2021, Buffalo Waffles has made the commitment to move towards a more sustainable and humanitarian production model in each of its products. That is why it launched plant-based options on its menu, in addition to opting not to use eggs from caged chickens, being the first Chilean company to adopt this policy.
In this sense, in the face of new consumer trends, the company decided to innovate with healthier preparations throughout its menu, especially in savory dishes. At the same time, vegetarian options and breakfast promotions were launched, and the addition of both hot and cold drinks, as well as sharing options, with more convenient prices in times of economic crisis, were planned.
In this line, in the month of September, the company embarked on the project +miles, an Argentine-style milanese restaurant that already has three locations in operation, waiting to add another two, one in the southern part of the country. The project operates under the logic of the dark kitchen, a model that came to Chile with force since the pandemic and consists of restaurants without tables, chairs or waiters: only kitchens. This allowed rapid growth and good projections to 2023
“+Milas is a virtual brand, a complement to our main brand. This means that it operates only at existing Buffalo Waffles locations. This serves to optimize the resources of the premises: +Milas works mainly at lunch, when Buffalo is a little slower and vice versa. Both brands coexist in the same environment, serving different audiences, at complementary times”Schulze points out.
