There are nearly 100 Wild Bird Centers serving communities across the United States and Canada. Our full service stores carry a complete line of birding products such as seed, suet, feeders, baths, houses, books, hardware, and garden accessories. We also promote nature conservation through Cornell University's Laboratory of Ornithology and local programs in schools, garden clubs and churches as well as forming alliances with local nature oriented institutions such as park districts, nature centers and birding clubs.
Where it all Began
Founded by George Petrides Sr., the Wild Bird Center retail concept started in 1985 with a single store in Cabin John, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C. Now a leading national retail franchise, headquartered in Glen Echo, Md. and just one mile from the original store, our franchise system has grown to nearly 100 Wild Bird Center and Wild Bird Crossing stores serving communities and the birding hobby throughout the United States and Canada.
The national headquarters of the Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., located in Glen Echo, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC, offers a strong and dedicated franchise system. It supports all of our stores in both the United States and Canada.
The Best of Business and Nature
With a franchise from the Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., you will make a positive difference in your community, doing work you find meaningful and satisfying. You'll be your own boss and enjoy mixing business with your passion for birds and nature.
Whether you're a backyard birdwatcher or an experienced naturalist, you'll enjoy the rewards of teaching others more about the environment that surrounds us. We are here to help you take a professional, business-like approach to making your dream a reality.
Check out these feather-raising facts:
A 2001 survey by the Department of Interior, the "National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation", confirmed that watching and feeding wild birds is one of the most popular hobbies in North America.
Over 54 million Americans annually spend:
$3,100,000,000 for feeding wild birds and other wildlife
$732,000,000 for houses, feeders, nest boxes and baths
$507,000,000 for optics, including binoculars and spotting scopes
$331,000,000 for wildlife-related books and magazines
We offer a Great Support System
Our unique combination of loyalty-building products, information and inspiration establishes each store franchise as a resource embraced by the community it serves. Our stores achieve outstanding levels of repeat business, customer referrals and media attention.
Wild Bird Centers are supported by an experienced Home Office team that provides financial, retail, marketing and business advice as required. These services assist our stores to be more likely to succeed in a competitive market. We have an established trade dress and other store standards, making our stores consistently attractive and a popular, relaxing place for customers to shop.
2004 Calendar Marketing Association's National Calendar Awards
2003 - Father's Day & Seed Sale Direct Mail Promotion
George Petrides, Sr. 1996 Finalist Greater Washington "Entrepreneur of the Year"
Member of the Audubon Naturalist Society
Trustee of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry Research Foundation
Project Leader of "Project WILDBIRD1" funded by WBFI Research Foundation
Chairman of the WBFI Retail Committee
Love What You do and Share it with Others
In addition to sharing your birding hobby with others, our stores are also excellent resources to educate your community about nature. At any Wild Bird Center store, customers can learn about local habitat, birding and many aspects of nature's wonders. Additionally, our company's recent corporate partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has opened unprecedented access to the leading birding research for all of our stores.
This franchise is not currently accepting inquiries.
Wild Bird Centers Franchise Costs
Capital Required
• Total Capital Investment $120,000 - $145,000 • Liquid Capital Requirement $87,000
Financing • Third Party Financing Available
