Linda Carlins Herrera joined the Air Force directly after high school and was specially trained to work on aircraft avionics systems – a skill she would use later in life while working for NASA as a test engineer for the space shuttle program that built the International Space Station. By Jessica Jones

Linda Carlins Herrera joined the Air Force directly after high school and was specially trained to work on aircraft avionics systems – a skill she would use later in life while working for NASA as a test engineer for the space shuttle program that built the International Space Station. Her military calling allowed her to travel extensively to the South Pacific and beyond, and her education prepared her for a lucrative career. When she invested in a Hofbräuhaus franchise with several family members last year, she drew from all of those life experiences.

“I was able to make a career out of what I learned in the military and my military experience has definitely played a role in almost every one of my endeavors,” Herrera said. “When my nephew expressed interest in opening a Hofbräuhaus in Buffalo, New York, I was familiar with the brand because I had visited a location in Pittsburgh. I love the atmosphere that the restaurant provides; it’s very family centered and offers music and culture – it’s a lot more than just a beer hall.”

Herrera, a silent partner in Keith Carlins’ endeavor, owns franchise shares in the Buffalo location along with her brothers James, and Dan, who also served in the Air Force. Together, they are extremely impressed with how Hofbräuhaus interacts with their franchisees.

“They keep investors very informed and continually let us know how things are progressing,” Herrera said. “COVID altered our timeframe slightly but they have kept us completely involved in all of the planning the entire time.”

The world-famous Hofbräuhaus brand offers a unique atmosphere and dining experience, authentically transferring the Bavarian lifestyle and beer culture to the American, Canadian and Mexican markets. Offering four different concepts – brew pub, large restaurant, small restaurant and Hofbräu Express – the franchisor is widely recognized for its mouthwatering cuisine and beer that is imported directly from the brewery in Munich, Germany and proudly served to patrons in 41 countries. The beer at Hofbräuhaus Buffalo is microbrewed using the original recipes and according to the Purity Law of 1516.

“We’re very excited about this endeavor and can’t wait to bring the Hofbräuhaus concept to Buffalo residents,” Herrera concluded.

For more information about starting a Hofbräuhaus franchise, visit hofbrauhaus.us/franchise.

– Jessica Jones