The Orange Buffalo to open first franchise site as it pushes ahead with expansion plans
It will marking the first opening outside of the capital for the London-based street food operator, which currently operates a bricks and mortar restaurant in Tooting, a permanent kiosk in Soho, and food truck spots in Shoreditch and Hoxton Square.
BigHospitality revealed earlier this year that The Orange Buffalo was accelerating plans for both national and global expansion, with franchise advisor Whitney Myrus saying the chain could grow to 50 sites in the UK in the next five years.
A number of international franchise agreements are also being considered.
The Orange Buffalo's Hemel Hempstead site will have around 50 covers including bar and table seating.
It will serve the brand's 'signature' range of burgers and wings, which can be served with house-made sauces that include The Original, made with Dutch chillies; Woof Woof, made with scotch bonnets, Dutch chillies and naga; and K-Town, which consists of gochujang paste, soy, honey and sesame seeds.
Brothers Wesley and Charlie Read will oversee the opening as franchisees, with a view to potentially opening further sites under franchise in the future.
“Both me and my brother are extremely excited to be opening The Orange Buffalo’s first franchise and the first location outside of the capital," says Charlie.
"We have both been fans of Orange Buffalo for many years so it was a no brainier when deciding who to open a franchise with. After looking at many locations we decided the best place to bring The Orange Buffalo's famous wings was our very own home town of Hemel Hempstead. We feel we can bring a new dimension to the towns nightlife and create a famous food and drink spot for years to come. We look forward to welcoming everyone in late autumn.”
The Orange Buffalo was founded by Nick White and Mike So back in 2012 as a food truck in Shoreditch’s Truman Brewery.
They went on to win the Double Award at London’s first Wingfest a year later, and in 2016 was named the Best Loved Restaurant prize at the Time Out Love London Awards.
In 2017 the pair expanded to Hoxton, opened their first bricks and mortar restaurant in Tooting in the summer of 2019.
“The opportunity came along to open in a new location out of London and when we saw the space in Hemel we knew it was perfect for The Orange Buffalo," says White of the new opening.
"Brothers Wesley and Charlie have been fans of us for years and really wanted to spread the Orange Buffalo love in their home town. We know the area has been calling out for a cool place to eat knock-out food and enjoy a night out in a super fresh spot.
"Think The Orange Buffalo, but a pumped up mega version and you’re not even close. The bar itself is a beast so looking forward to creating an atmosphere Hemel will buzz off. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve worked on with the boys.”
