Golden Corral, Shake Shack and more: What makes Buffalo a magnet for restaurant franchises?

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The entry of a half-dozen new national or international restaurant franchises could help offset the loss of Red Lobster and TGI Friday’s stores in Western New York.

According to franchisees and business development officials, the region continues to attract businesses looking for growth opportunities.

“It’s obviously a great market,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Thin chickensa fast-food chicken franchise based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The company said earlier this year that it was considering Buffalo as part of a 10-state Northeast expansion. “We’re slowly making our way into the Northeast.”