Buffalo Wild Wings
Sports bar chain known for wings and beer.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Roark Capital2018-02-01
What Made It Great
Wings, beer, and sports in an energetic gameday atmosphere.
What PE Will Likely Do
Portion sizes for popular menu items like wings and boneless wings will be reduced by 10-15% while prices remain the same or increase slightly
Ingredients like chicken, sauces, and dips will be substituted with cheaper, lower-quality alternatives, resulting in noticeable declines in taste and freshness
The variety of wing flavors and dipping sauces will be reduced by 20-30% to focus on higher-margin options
Staffing in kitchens and dining rooms will be cut by 15-20%, leading to slower service and less attentive staff
The number of television screens and volume of sports broadcasts will be reduced in some locations to lower operating costs
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Minor menu price increases and limited ingredient substitutions begin
“6 to 12 months months”
Portion sizes are reduced, some menu items and flavor options are removed
“12 to 24 months months”
Significant declines in food quality and customer service are widely noticed by regular patrons
“24 to 36 months months”
Store closures start to accelerate as brand reputation is damaged and customer traffic declines
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Be alert for gradual changes to your favorite menu items at Buffalo Wild Wings, such as smaller portions or differences in taste and freshness
Voice your concerns directly to management if you notice significant declines in food quality or service at your local Buffalo Wild Wings location
Consider exploring alternative sports bar and wing restaurant options in your area that may better maintain the quality and experience you expect
Alternatives
Publicly traded restaurant group
Support local businesses in your area