last updated: April 16, 2008 12:44:02 AM

Teresa Costa knows plenty about making food products. For years, she worked at plants throughout the Northern San Joaquin Valley, including Kraft Foods in Ceres. But Costa wanted to be her own boss and hit the Internet to research her food business options.

The one that got her attention and, ultimately, her financing promised a diverse menu and entertaining concept. It was just the sort of hot combination Costa believed would send food lovers stampeding to the doors of her new Modesto restaurant -- Buffalo Wings & Rings.

The national franchise's 31st outlet is at 3020 Floyd Ave., Suite 601, on the northeast side of Village One Plaza. The new shopping center at Floyd and Roselle avenues also

is home to a Raley's state-of-the art supermarket and several other businesses that serve the underserved northeast Modesto neighborhood.

Buffalo Wings & Rings features a wide range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers, including buffalo popcorn shrimp, mini corn dogs, curly-q fries, garlic fries, nachos, Texas-style chili, chicken tender salad, pulled pork sandwich, chicken tender wrap and super gyros. The list of burger options is long and varied, from a basic quarter-pounder and barbecue to blue cheese and Cajun.

But it's the signature buffalo wings and chicken tenders that can get customers fired up, especially since they can pick from mild, medium, hot, extra hot and atomic temps. Wings and tenders come with a choice of sauces, from original and roasted garlic to lemon pepper and one that's simply called "crazy." And, of course, Costa and crew serve up lots of hot, crispy onion rings.

Customers will find a family friendly atmosphere where they can lounge in the main dining area or the outlet's cozy bar -- beer and wine only. Strategically placed throughout the restaurant are nine large flat-screen TVs. There's even a 60-inch plasma TV for those trying to focus from behind platters of steamin' wings, rings and things.

So far, her decision to launch her own business is paying off, according to Costa. Heck, what's not to like: She's running her own show and making it go. Corralling her share of the V-1 (Village One) crowd just goes to prove that Buffalo Wings (& Rings) will fly in the valley. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. For more information,

call 551-WING (9464) or go to www.buffalowingsandrings.com.