Casual-dining brand creates fast-casual version focused on off-premise sales
Buffalo Wild Wings will open its first “GO” model restaurant on Wednesday in Georgia, focusing on takeout and delivery orders, the company said Monday.
The casual-dining wing chain, owned by Atlanta-based Inspire Brands, said the 1,800-square-foot Buffalo Wild Wings GO unit will feature a walk-up counter, digital menu boards, condensed seating and televisions for guests to enjoy while waiting for their orders.
The company said Buffalo Wild Wings GO customers who order ahead will be able to pick up their meal from heated takeout lockers for a “contactless” experience. The new Buffalo Wild Wings GO unit is at 5840 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, Ga., north of Atlanta.
“We’ve seen the success of this model over the past six weeks, with our takeout and delivery business growing over 140%,” said John Bowie, Buffalo Wild Wings chief operating officer, said in a statement. “Buffalo Wild Wings GO is perfect for friends and family who want to enjoy our authentic, New York-style buffalo wings at home.”
Buffalo Wild Wings joins a growing number of casual-dining brands creating off-premise versions of their concepts.
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. in February debuted its first P.F. Chang’s To-Go location in Chicago and planned to expand to other cities.
Tampa, Fla.-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc. in 2017 opened an express version that combined its Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill Brands. On Monday, Bloomin’ Brands opened its first standalone fast-casual Aussie Grill, which was introduced as a food-court concept, in Lutz, Fla.
Buffalo Wild Wings said its “GO” menu will offer traditional and boneless wings, tenders, sides and all 23 Buffalo Wild Wings sauces and dry rubs. The casual-dining units’ buy-one-get-one Traditional Tuesdays and Boneless Thursdays will be offered in the fast-casual restaurant as well.
Buffalo Wild Wings has more than 1,250 locations. Inspire Brands, a division of Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group, also owns the Arby’s, Jimmy John’s, Rusty Taco and Sonic Drive-In restaurant brands.
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