Are you ready to get saucy with some delicious chicken wings and learn some interesting facts about one of America’s most popular sports bars?
From the spicy and tangy sauces to the endless screens playing the latest games, Buffalo Wild Wings has become a go-to spot for food, drinks, and sports entertainment.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Buffalo Wild Wings and uncover 15 fascinating facts that you probably didn’t know.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, get ready to discover some tasty trivia and satisfy your appetite for knowledge about this iconic restaurant chain.
Buffalo Wild Wings was founded in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery in Columbus, Ohio.
1 The two founders were originally from Buffalo, New York and had trouble finding good chicken wings in Ohio. So, they decided to open their own restaurant featuring their favourite Buffalo-style chicken wings.
They named the restaurant “Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck,” which was later shortened to just “Buffalo Wild Wings.” Today, Buffalo Wild Wings has over 1,200 locations worldwide and is known for its sports bar atmosphere and famous chicken wings.
The original name of the restaurant was “Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck,” which referred to the classic Buffalo sandwich called “beef on weck.”
2 Beef on weck is a popular sandwich in Western New York that consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a kummelweck roll, which is a type of roll topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds.
The addition of “weck” in the name was meant to acknowledge the founders’ Buffalo roots and to offer a local specialty on the menu. However, the name was eventually shortened to “Buffalo Wild Wings” as the chain expanded and the focus shifted to their famous chicken wings.
Buffalo Wild Wings has over 1,200 locations worldwide, including over 1,000 locations in the United States and 230 locations in 10 other countries.
3 The international locations are mostly located in the Middle East and Asia, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Buffalo Wild Wings has become a popular destination for sports fans and wing enthusiasts, and the chain continues to expand its reach both domestically and globally.
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its chicken wings, which are available in a variety of flavours and sauces.
4 Some of the most popular flavours include mild, medium, hot, and blazing, but there are many other options to choose from as well. The chain’s signature sauces include traditional Buffalo-style sauce, sweet BBQ, Parmesan garlic, Asian zing, and Caribbean jerk, among others.
In addition to chicken wings, Buffalo Wild Wings also serves a variety of other menu items, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers like mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its sports-themed atmosphere, with numerous TVs broadcasting games and events.
5 The restaurant has become a popular destination for sports fans to gather and watch their favourite teams while enjoying some wings and drinks. Many locations also feature a full bar with a wide selection of beers on tap, cocktails, and other beverages.
In addition to the TVs, some Buffalo Wild Wings locations also offer interactive games and activities, such as trivia and arcade games, to enhance the overall guest experience.
Overall, the combination of sports, food, and entertainment has helped make Buffalo Wild Wings a popular destination for casual dining and socializing.
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for offering a variety of interactive games and activities in addition to its sports-themed atmosphere.
6 One popular game that is available at many Buffalo Wild Wings locations is Buzz time Trivia, which is a live, multiplayer trivia game that guests can play on their smartphones or tablets. Buzz time Trivia covers a wide range of topics, from sports and pop culture to history and science.
Another popular game that is available at many Buffalo Wild Wings locations is Golden Tee Golf, which is an arcade-style golf game that allows players to compete against each other in virtual golf courses. Golden Tee Golf has been a staple at arcades and bars for decades, and it has become a popular addition to the Buffalo Wild Wings experience.
In addition to these games, some Buffalo Wild Wings locations also offer other interactive activities such as dartboards, pool tables, and other arcade-style games. These games and activities are designed to enhance the overall guest experience and to provide additional entertainment options beyond just watching sports on TV.
In 2018, Buffalo Wild Wings was acquired by Arby’s Restaurant Group for $2.9 billion.
7 Following the acquisition, Buffalo Wild Wings became a subsidiary of Inspire Brands, which is the parent company of Arby’s, Sonic Drive-In, and other restaurant chains.
As for the company’s operations in the Middle East, it’s true that the name “Buffalo Wild Wings” is not used in some regions due to cultural sensitivities. Instead, the company operates under the name “BWW” in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The abbreviation “BWW” stands for “Buffalo Wings and Rings,” which is a nod to the company’s signature dish and its circular logo. By using this alternate name, the company is able to maintain its brand identity while also respecting local customs and sensitivities.
Buffalo Wild Wings has a loyalty program called “Blazin’ Rewards,” which rewards customers with points for their purchases.
8 Customers can earn points by scanning their Blazin’ Rewards code in the mobile app or by giving their phone number to the server at the time of purchase. Points can be redeemed for free food, drinks, and other rewards.
In addition to earning points, Blazin’ Rewards members also receive other benefits, such as exclusive offers and promotions, early access to new menu items, and a free birthday gift. The loyalty program is free to join, and customers can sign up through the Buffalo Wild Wings website or mobile app. By offering a loyalty program, Buffalo Wild Wings is able to reward its most loyal customers and encourage them to return for future visits.
Buffalo Wild Wings has a history of supporting various charitable causes and organizations.
9 The restaurant chain has partnered with several organizations over the years, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Special Olympics.
One of Buffalo Wild Wings’ most notable charitable initiatives is its annual “Community Day” event, which typically takes place in April. During Community Day, participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations donate a portion of their sales to a local charity or non-profit organization. Since the program began in 2017, Buffalo Wild Wings has donated over $3.5 million to local charities through Community Day.
In addition to Community Day, Buffalo Wild Wings also supports various other charitable initiatives throughout the year, such as the annual “Home Team Advantage” program, which provides financial support to local youth sports organizations. By supporting these charitable causes and organizations, Buffalo Wild Wings is able to give back to the communities where it operates and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Buffalo Wild Wings has been involved in some other notable food-related events over the years.
10 For example, in 2014, Buffalo Wild Wings hosted the “Blazin’ Challenge,” a spicy wing eating contest in which participants were challenged to eat 12 of the restaurant’s hottest wings in six minutes or less. The contest was held in select locations across the United States, and the winners received a variety of prizes, including free wings for a year.
Buffalo Wild Wings has also been involved in other food-related challenges and events, such as the “Wing Bowl” in Philadelphia, which is an annual wing-eating competition that draws thousands of spectators and competitors from around the world. While Buffalo Wild Wings has not set any official Guinness World Records, the restaurant chain has certainly made its mark on the world of competitive eating and spicy food challenges.
Buffalo Wild Wings does not officially have a secret menu, there are some menu items that are not listed on the main menu but are available upon request.
11 These items are sometimes referred to as “off-menu” items or “secret menu” items.
Some of these off-menu items at Buffalo Wild Wings include the “Dirty Bird” (which is a combination of hot sauce and BBQ sauce), the “Fry Seasoning Sampler” (which includes a selection of the restaurant’s various fry seasonings), and the “Suicide Burger” (which is a burger topped with several of the restaurant’s hottest sauces). Other off-menu items may include variations of the restaurant’s signature wings, such as different sauce combinations or dry rubs.
It’s worth noting that not all Buffalo Wild Wings locations may offer off-menu items, and availability may vary depending on the location and the specific item in question. However, if you’re curious about trying something new or different at Buffalo Wild Wings, it’s always worth asking your server if there are any off-menu items available.
The Caribbean Jerk sauce is one of the many flavours of wing sauce available at Buffalo Wild Wings, and it is described as a blend of spicy peppers and island spices.
12 The sauce is inspired by the flavours of Caribbean cuisine and is a popular choice among customers.
Buffalo Wild Wings has been known to collaborate with athletes and celebrities in the past to create limited edition sauces or flavours. For example, the chain has partnered with retired NFL player Brett Favre to create a sauce called “Favre’s Gold,” which is a sweet and tangy sauce that incorporates his love of Southern-style barbecue. However, there is no official information to suggest that the Caribbean Jerk sauce was created specifically in honor of Kevin Durant.
Buffalo Wild Wings has sponsored various sports teams and events over the years
13 Including partnerships with professional sports leagues like the National Football League (NFL), the National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB). The company has also sponsored individual teams and athletes, such as NASCAR driver Joey Logano and professional golfer Jason Day.
In addition to sports sponsorships, Buffalo Wild Wings has supported various charitable causes through its “Team Up for Kids” program. This initiative is focused on providing resources and opportunities for children and families in need, with a particular emphasis on promoting education and physical activity. Through “Team Up for Kids,” Buffalo Wild Wings has partnered with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to make a positive impact in local communities.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide variety of flavours for its chicken wings, with over 20 different sauces and seasonings to choose from
14 Some of the most popular flavours include classic buffalo, honey BBQ, garlic parmesan, and Asian zing. The restaurant also offers a range of heat levels, from mild to blazing hot, and customers can mix and match flavours and heat levels to create their own custom combinations.
In addition to chicken wings, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of other menu items, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.
Buffalo Wild Wings has hosted several eating competitions over the years
15 Including the “Blazin’ Wing Challenge,” in which participants attempt to eat a set number of the restaurant’s signature spicy “Blazin'” wings within a certain time frame. The rules and requirements for these eating competitions vary depending on the location and event, but they typically involve consuming large quantities of food or completing a specific food-related challenge.
It’s worth noting that while these eating competitions can be entertaining and challenging, they should be approached with caution and only attempted by those who are in good health and have consulted with a medical professional. Overeating or consuming extremely spicy foods can be dangerous and can result in serious health issues, so it’s important to use caution and good judgment when participating in these types of events.
