Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., celebrated its 20th anniversary the first week in October with a simultaneous “Birthday Bash” in all 186 locations in 26 states.
The chain was begun in 1982 as BW3 by Scott Lowry and Jim Disbrow, who had a craving for buffalo-style wings in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio. “We wanted to start a restaurant that would be a relaxing place to hang out with friends and watch the big game, while enjoying wings,” Lowry says. “It seems that we succeeded.”
The company has aggressive expansion plans to more than double in size to 400 locations by 2005. Chief Executive Officer Sally Smith says, “We are excited about our continued growth and expansion. Our goals are well within our reach as we continue to sign development agreements with dynamic new franchisees.”
Twenty three new markets are being targeted including Atlanta, Fairfax County, Virginia, and San Antonio. Further expansion is planned in existing markets as well, such as Phoenix, Denver, and Houston.
