Buffalo Wild Wings
| File:Buffalo Wild Wings (logo, vertical).svg Logo since 2018 | |
| Formerly | Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (1982–1998) |
|---|---|
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Restaurant Franchising |
| Founded | 1982 in Columbus, Ohio, U.S. as Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck |
| Founders | Jim Disbrow Scott Lowery |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
Number of locations | 1,300+ (2024) |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
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| Products | Chicken Wings, Burgers, Beer, Sides |
| Parent | Inspire Brands (2018–present) |
| Website | buffalowildwings |
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Buffalo Wild Wings—initially known as Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck and colloquially called BW3, BDubs, or BWW—is a U.S.-based casual dining and sports bar franchise that specializes in chicken wings.
As of March 2025, the brand operates more than 1,300 venues across every state in the United States. Its corporate headquarters are situated in Atlanta, Georgia, co-located with its parent company, Inspire Brands, headquartered in Sandy Springs.
History
Established in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery in Columbus, Ohio, Buffalo Wild Wings started as a single eatery near Ohio State University. The original title referenced "Weck," a type of sandwich featured on the menu.
Mark Lutz became a partner within six months of inception. Over the following ten years, the chain grew to six outlets spanning Ohio, Indiana, and Colorado. Franchise operations commenced in 1992 with initial fees between $15,000 and $20,000 plus ongoing royalties. That same year, the headquarters relocated to Cincinnati.
Sally Smith joined as chief financial officer in 1994 and was promoted to president and CEO by 1996. She led efforts to restructure finances after earlier losses. By 1995, the company recorded $12 million in revenue but faced a $1.6 million deficit. The business model evolved from a college sports bar concept to a casual dining experience featuring larger standalone restaurants with distinct separation between bar and dining areas.
In the late 1990s, the brand unified its name and packaging to enhance retail sauce sales. The chain celebrated the opening of its 100th location in Minnesota in 1999; at that point, it had 23 corporate-owned restaurants. An $8.5 million private placement was secured to support expansion plans aiming for 260 locations by 2003.
By the year 2000, Buffalo Wild Wings operated 140 sites across 19 states under the name Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar. In 2001, system-wide revenues reached $150 million with an average same-store sales increase of 8%, aided by growth in takeout orders and retail partnerships such as one with Frito-Lay.
Following the passing of co-founder Jim Disbrow in 2002, the company continued its growth trajectory, surpassing 200 locations by late 2003. On November 21 of that year, Buffalo Wild Wings launched its initial public offering on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol BWLD.
The brand expanded internationally with openings in Canada starting in 2010 and later entering the United Arab Emirates market in 2015; however, Canadian operations were discontinued by mid-2023 after all outlets closed.
Strategic investments included acquiring minority shares in PizzaRev in 2013 and obtaining majority ownership of Rusty Taco (later rebranded R Taco), reflecting a diversification into fast-casual dining sectors.
In November 2017, Roark Capital Group and The Wendy's Company announced their acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings for roughly $2.4 billion plus debt obligations; this transaction was finalized in February 2018. Post-acquisition, Buffalo Wild Wings became part of Inspire Brands alongside Arby's and R Taco while preserving its operational independence.
More recently, Buffalo Wild Wings has formed collaborations within sports wagering through MGM Resorts International (2019) and engaged with esports via the League of Legends Championship Series (2020). Sponsorship agreements have included athletes such as Doug Edert during NCAA basketball tournaments.
As reported in July 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings posted trailing twelve-month operating revenues near US $1.035 billion—a slight decrease—while net income for Q1 of 2024 was approximately US $87 million with earnings per share at US $0.38.
Concept
This restaurant chain is primarily recognized for its Buffalo-style chicken wings offered with a wide selection of sauces, as well as other chicken items like tenders and drumsticks, complemented by sides, appetizers, and desserts. Occasionally, the brand hosts competitive events such as challenges to consume ten wings within a five-minute timeframe. The dining spaces are designed with an open floor plan that includes bar sections, outdoor patio seating, and numerous televisions and media displays. Certain newer outlets feature a stadium-themed interior to improve the experience of watching sports. Boneless wings, typically crafted from breast meat, are prepared using various cooking methods.