Pizza Out – Tacos In

Buffalo Wild Wings has decided to not expand their Pizza Rev locations here in the Twin Cities, and included a $600,000 write-off in their annual report for the acquired franchise licenses.  They will keep their two locations in Hopkins and Edina open for now.   There has been five national fast-casual pizza chains enter this market since 2014, creating tough competition for all.  Buffalo Wild Wings has a minority investment in this LA based chain.

However, their R Taco (formerly Rusty Taco) restaurants appear to be doing well, and Buffalo Wild Wings is expanding this concept around the country.   Buffalo Wild Wings announced in February that they were expanding the R Taco presence and at the time had 11 locations including the Twin Cities, Dallas, Denver and Omaha.  Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa are target states for R Taco, for both franchise and corporate operations.  R Taco locations are 1,800 to 2,500 square feet location, serving breakfast, lunch & dinner with craft beers and margaritas.