VICTORVILLE – Echinal Brands, parent company for The Buffalo Spot and Blue Burro, recognized its franchisees, including Victorville Buffalo Spot owner Omnar Picado, for National Franchise Appreciation Day, September 3rd. The owners were celebrated for helping the quick-service restaurant group become one of the fastest-growing brands in California and the Southwest. 

Encinal Brands has 40 restaurants in four states with expansion planned throughout 2027 for 150 new stores. Echinal Brands CEO and Founder Ivan Flores said none of it would be possible without the determined entrepreneurs who have made The Buffalo Spot and Blue Burro successful destination spots.

“The most important reason we are experiencing phenomenal growth is due to the loyalty, hard work, and perseverance of our franchise owners,” said Flores. “We appreciate all of them and consider them members of the family. 

One of these owners, Picado, is a multi-unit franchisee with restaurants in Victorville and Pico Rivera. He said the guidance and support he has received from Encinal Brands has been a godsend since his first opening.

“My journey as a Buffalo Spot owner has been a good one because corporate has been there for me every step of the way,” said Picado. “This makes me feel very comfortable and secure in the franchise that I joined.”

Flores believes becoming an entrepreneur and owning a restaurant franchise is something that anyone can achieve with enough determination.

“When I was growing up on my grandfather’s ranch in Mexico, I dreamed of owning a restaurant, even though sometimes we didn’t know where our next meal was coming from,” said Flores. “Without a high school education or any other advantages, I taught myself everything I needed to know, and eventually my determination paid off.”

Opening a Buffalo Spot requires an investment ranging from $240,000 to $525,000. The minimum liquid capital for a potential franchisee is $500,000. Past restaurant experience is not required, however, leadership skills are necessary to lead a restaurant staff.

According to Vettedbiz.com the average unit volume or average annual sales per Buffalo Spot store is $911,000. Owners can expect to take home $83,000 -$154,000 per year.

For more information on franchising, visit https://thebuffalospotfranchise.com