Why Is It Called Buffalo Wild Wings?
Because the founders wanted to bring Buffalo, New York style chicken wings to Ohio. The original name was Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck, after the beef on weck sandwich.
The Buffalo connection
Buffalo wings, deep fried and tossed in a hot sauce made with butter, are credited to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo in the 1960s. Disbrow and Lowery could not find wings like that in Ohio, so they built a restaurant around them in Columbus.
What was the weck?
Beef on weck is a Buffalo sandwich of thin sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll, topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds and served with horseradish. It was on the first menu, which is why the chain’s early nickname was BW3, for the three Ws.
| Name | When used |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck | 1982 to 1998 |
| BW3 or bw-3 | Early nickname and logo |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Official name since 1998 |
| B-Dubs | Nickname the brand now uses in ads |
Wings are still the main event
The chain now offers more than 20 sauces and dry rubs, from mild to Blazin’ Knockout. See wing counts and prices on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu.
Related Questions
Is Buffalo Wild Wings from Buffalo?
No. It started in Columbus, Ohio in 1982, but it was named after Buffalo style wings.
What does the W in BW3 stand for?
Wild, Wings and Weck, from the original name Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck.
What is beef on weck?
A Buffalo roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck roll topped with salt and caraway seeds.
When did Buffalo Wild Wings drop weck from its name?
In 1998.
Why do people call it B-Dubs?
It is short for the two Ws in Buffalo Wild Wings, and the brand uses it in its own ads.
Where were Buffalo wings invented?
The Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York is usually credited with the first Buffalo wings in the 1960s.
More on Buffalo Wild Wings
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Buffalo Wild Wings or Inspire Brands. Details come from public sources and were checked in October 2026. See current prices on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu.
More Restaurant Guides
Why Does Del Taco Sell Burgers and Fries?
Because Del Taco has long mixed Mexican inspired food with American fast food, so a group can order tacos, cheeseburgers and crinkle cut fries in one stop. Tacos and…
Who Owns Del Taco?
Yadav Enterprises, a large restaurant operator that bought Del Taco from Jack in the Box in December 2025. 1964 foundedYadav ownerDec 2025 acquired550+ restaurants…
What Is the Most Popular Smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
The Detox Island Green, a green smoothie with spinach, kale, mango, pineapple, banana and ginger at about 180 calories. Detox Island Green180 calories24 oz size$7.79…