Buffalo Wild Wings opened its fourth location in Hawai‘i at Windward Mall last month in hopes of providing a unique dining experience.
Founded in 1981, Buffalo Wild Wings was conceived of by two men–Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery–driven by their hunger and inability to find their favorite Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings.
Thirty six years and more than 1,000 restaurants later, Buffalo Wild Wings has found continued success on O‘ahu.
Buffalo Wild Wings aims to create an atmosphere different than its competitors like Wing Stop and Hooters. By focusing on three things–beer, wings and sports–it has created a loyal customer base that flocks to its locations as a daily ritual.
Its walls are lined with TV screens playing any and all customer requests (even “COPS” or the news). Pay-per-view events are streamed daily at no additional cost.
“Buffalo Wild Wings is all about our slogan: beer, wings and sports,” said employee and Kāne‘ohe Marine Core Base resident Daniel Loli. “It’s a cool hangout spot, especially on Sundays. We’ve got people who stay here for four to six hours watching football all day.”
Honolulu Community College student Andrew Risteter frequents Buffalo Wild Wings to unwind with friends and said the establishment is “lit.” “I need my [boneless] wings,” he said.
Although famous for its wings, Buffalo Wild Wings also specializes in other items such as burgers, shareable items like fried pickles, and flat-bread pizza to name a few.
In 2013, the franchise launched its first in-house craft beer named “Game Changer,” which proved to be just that.
“It’s my first time here, and it feels like I’m on the East Coast,” said diner Sierra Jeong. “The cheese curds were good, and fries were a lot better than I expected!”
Jeong also enjoyed the quick and friendly service, which got her in and out of the restaurant in under an hour.
Aside from the plethora of beer, wings and sports, Buffalo Wild Wings also works with the Boys & Girls Club of America on its Team Up For Kids® program, which helps more kids play team sports.
By 2020, the restaurant chain hopes to donate more than $16 million to fund football, basketball and cheer programs at local Boys & Girls Club locations and give more than 450,000 children the opportunity to play sports.
Customers can help the cause by purchasing a $1 bottle of sauce or seasoning at any Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.
“Together, we can help fulfill our mission to bring team sports into the lives of kids who need it most,” a statement on the Buffalo Wild Wings website reads. “We believe every child should have the chance to experience team sports and learn the life lessons and skills that will help them thrive and compete in life. That’s why we’re committed to helping all kids have the opportunity to play on a team.”
Buffalo Wild Wings is near Macy’s and open every day until 2 a.m.
by Darryl Kaneyuki, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
