Buffalo Wild Wings is a well-known American restaurant chain famous for wings, sports, and beer. If you’ve ever wondered who owns Buffalo Wild Wings today, this article gives a complete breakdown of the current ownership, company profile, major shareholders, and financials.
Buffalo Wild Wings Company Profile
Buffalo Wild Wings is a leading American casual dining and sports bar franchise, best known for its wide selection of chicken wings, signature sauces, draft beers, and wall-to-wall TVs broadcasting live sports. Often referred to as B-Dubs, the brand has positioned itself as the ultimate place for sports fans to eat, drink, and watch games with friends.
Company Overview
- Company Name: Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW)
- Parent Company: Inspire Brands
- Type: Subsidiary (Privately Held)
- Industry: Restaurant / Casual Dining
- Founded: 1982
- Headquarters (2025): Atlanta, Georgia, USA (under Inspire Brands)
- Number of Locations: Over 1,250 across the United States and select international markets
- Primary Offerings: Chicken wings, boneless wings, burgers, beer, appetizers, and televised sports entertainment
- Restaurant Format: Primarily franchise-operated with some company-owned stores.
Founders
Buffalo Wild Wings was founded by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery in 1982. The two friends, both from Buffalo, New York, were living in Ohio at the time. One day, they craved authentic Buffalo-style wings but couldn’t find any in their area. That craving turned into a business idea, and they opened the first Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (its original name) near Ohio State University in Columbus.
Over time, “Weck” was dropped from the name, and the company focused entirely on wings, sports, and beer. This original concept sparked a national movement, turning wings into a social, game-day meal.
Major Milestones
- 1982: First Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck opened in Columbus, Ohio.
- 1994: The company began offering franchise opportunities, fueling national expansion.
- 2003: Buffalo Wild Wings went public and was listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol BWLD.
- 2010: Reached 700+ locations across North America and continued aggressive growth.
- 2017: Faced slowing sales and shareholder pressure; entered acquisition talks.
- 2018: Acquired by Inspire Brands, a restaurant holding company formed by Arby’s and backed by Roark Capital. This marked its shift from public to private ownership.
- 2019–2021: Inspire Brands launched a rebranding initiative for B-Dubs, focusing on tech-driven delivery, online ordering, and a new modern sports bar design.
- 2022: Buffalo Wild Wings GO, a takeout-focused, smaller concept, expanded nationwide.
- 2024: Celebrated over 40 years in business and passed the 1,250-location mark.
- 2025: Continues to expand internationally with franchise openings in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, and introduces AI-powered menu personalization and fan engagement tools.
Who Owns Buffalo Wild Wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings is fully owned by Inspire Brands, a privately held restaurant holding company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Inspire Brands operates some of the most recognizable names in the fast-food and casual dining industries. Buffalo Wild Wings became part of this group through a major acquisition in 2018.
Parent Company: Inspire Brands
Inspire Brands was formed in 2018 by Arby’s Restaurant Group, following its acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings. The goal was to build a multi-brand restaurant company that could compete with the largest foodservice players in the world.
As of 2025, Inspire Brands owns and operates several high-profile restaurant chains, including:
- Arby’s
- Sonic Drive-In
- Jimmy John’s
- Dunkin’
- Baskin-Robbins
- Buffalo Wild Wings.
The company is backed by Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm with a strong focus on franchised and consumer-focused businesses.
Inspire Brands oversees over 32,000 locations across its brands globally, with a combined systemwide revenue of over $35 billion annually. Buffalo Wild Wings represents the group’s primary casual dining sports bar brand.
The Acquisition: How Inspire Brands Took Over Buffalo Wild Wings
In November 2017, Buffalo Wild Wings announced it had agreed to be acquired by Arby’s Restaurant Group in a deal valued at approximately $2.9 billion, including debt. The acquisition was completed in February 2018, marking a pivotal shift in the company’s structure and strategy.
This acquisition led to the creation of Inspire Brands, which was designed to serve as the new holding company for all restaurant investments by Arby’s parent, Roark Capital.
Key details about the acquisition:
- Valuation: $2.9 billion (enterprise value)
- Buyer: Arby’s Restaurant Group (soon rebranded as Inspire Brands)
- Transaction Type: All-cash acquisition
- Stock Impact: Buffalo Wild Wings was delisted from NASDAQ following the deal, making it a private company under Inspire
- Post-Acquisition Strategy: Inspire Brands shifted Buffalo Wild Wings’ focus toward improved in-restaurant experience, expansion of delivery and online ordering, and new small-format stores (Buffalo Wild Wings GO).
Ownership Breakdown
Buffalo Wild Wings is not individually traded or owned anymore. Instead, it is a brand wholly owned by Inspire Brands. Inspire itself is majority owned and controlled by Roark Capital Group. Roark is a private equity firm that specializes in franchise-heavy consumer and service businesses.
Roark Capital’s influence is substantial. It controls Inspire’s board and strategic direction. While some equity is likely held by Inspire’s senior leadership team, Roark remains the ultimate majority owner.
Because Inspire Brands is a privately held company, there are no public shareholders. All equity stakes are distributed internally among institutional investors, private equity owners, and key executives.
Post-Acquisition Changes and Modernization
After the 2018 acquisition, Buffalo Wild Wings underwent significant changes:
- New Leadership: Inspire appointed a new brand president to lead innovation.
- Menu Revamp: The menu was simplified and updated to match modern tastes and delivery trends.
- Design Overhaul: Restaurants were remodeled with updated sports bar layouts, larger screens, and modern interiors.
- Buffalo Wild Wings GO: A small-format concept focusing on takeout and delivery launched in 2019 and expanded in later years.
- Tech Investments: Inspire invested in mobile ordering, loyalty integration, and AI-powered marketing across all its brands, including B-Dubs.
These strategic shifts have helped Buffalo Wild Wings regain momentum in a competitive and evolving restaurant market.
Other Relevant Ownership Facts
- Buffalo Wild Wings is no longer an independent brand. It is one of many under the Inspire Brands umbrella.
- No public trading of Buffalo Wild Wings shares exists post-acquisition. It has remained privately held since 2018.
- Inspire Brands itself is not a public company either, meaning all its brand ownership and operations are private and overseen by Roark Capital.
In 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings continues to benefit from Inspire’s capital, infrastructure, and restaurant experience. It has access to shared services such as marketing, technology, real estate, and supply chain, allowing it to operate more efficiently and competitively.
Who is the CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings?
Paul J. Brown is the Co-Founder and CEO of Inspire Brands, the parent company of Buffalo Wild Wings. He co-founded Inspire in 2018 alongside Roark Capital after Arby’s acquired Buffalo Wild Wings, forming a multi-brand restaurant group.
Before founding Inspire, Brown led Arby’s as CEO. He also held senior roles at Hilton. He holds degrees in management and engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School.
Under Brown, Inspire expanded rapidly, acquiring Sonic (2018), Jimmy John’s (2019), and Dunkin’ Brands (2020). In 2024, Inspire’s brands surpassed $32.6 billion in global system sales, employing about 650,000 team members.
Brown serves as Chair of the Board for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and holds advisory roles at Georgia Tech, showcasing his commitment to community and governance.
Buffalo Wild Wings Brand President: John Bowie
Buffalo Wild Wings has its own operational head: Brand President John Bowie, who joined the role in early 2025.
Bowie oversees brand strategy, marketing, franchise relations, operations, and supply chain management for Buffalo Wild Wings.
Prior to his current role, he served as COO of Buffalo Wild Wings, managing both company-owned and franchise restaurants. His earlier career includes senior operational roles at Arby’s and Church’s Chicken, where he delivered impressive growth and margin improvements.
Previous Brand Leadership
Lyle Tick (2018–2023)
Before Bowie, Lyle Tick was the brand’s president. He led a major revitalization, including the launch of Buffalo Wild Wings GO and a menu and design overhaul. In June 2025, Tick left to become CEO of BJ’s Restaurants.
Sally J. Smith (1996–2017, CEO)
Sally Smith was the CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings for over two decades. Under her leadership, the company grew from around 70 units to a national brand before going public in 2003.
Decision-Making Structure
Buffalo Wild Wings’ decisions are shaped in a matrix structure:
- Inspire Brands CEO (Brown) sets overarching strategy.
- Brand President (Bowie) handles brand-specific tactics and execution.
- Franchise system collaborates with development and operations teams regionally.
- Shared corporate functions in areas like IT, marketing, and supply chain support all brands under Inspire.
Buffalo Wild Wings Annual Revenue and Net Worth
2025 Annual Revenue
In 2024, Buffalo Wild Wings generated approximately $2.2 billion in systemwide sales, according to the Inspire Brands FY2024 fact sheet. This figure refers to total sales at all Buffalo Wild Wings locations globally, both company-owned and franchised.
On the corporate side, Buffalo Wild Wings itself reported around $2.31 billion in revenue for last year, with net income of about $129 million.
As the chain continues to expand—crossing over 1,300 U.S. locations in 2024—and seeing same-store sales growth of 2.4%, its 2025 systemwide sales are now estimated at slightly over $4 billion. The rapid rollout of the smaller-format Buffalo Wild Wings GO contributed significantly to this growth.
Estimate of Brand Net Worth
As of July 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings has an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion, reflecting its brand value, earnings power, real estate footprint, and future growth potential.
This valuation considers its strong presence in casual and sports bar dining, robust franchise operations, and intangible assets such as brand recognition, intellectual property, and expansion initiatives into delivery, GO formats, and international markets.
Here is an overview of Buffalo Wild Wings’ historical revenue and estimated net worth over the last 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4.0 billion | $2.5 billion | Boost from Buffalo Wild Wings GO and digital growth |
| 2024 | $3.8 billion | $2.3 billion | Strong recovery; franchise growth accelerates |
| 2023 | $3.5 billion | $2.0 billion | Continued growth; GO format expands |
| 2022 | $3.2 billion | $1.9 billion | Return to profitability post-COVID disruptions |
| 2021 | $2.6 billion | $1.6 billion | COVID impact fades; delivery and takeout surge |
| 2020 | $2.1 billion | $1.3 billion | Pandemic year; dine-in closures hurt revenue |
| 2019 | $2.4 billion | $1.7 billion | First full year under Inspire Brands ownership |
| 2018 | $2.2 billion | $1.5 billion | Acquired by Inspire Brands (Feb 2018) |
| 2017 | $2.1 billion | $1.6 billion | Public company; declining margins led to sale |
| 2016 | $1.99 billion | $1.7 billion | Peak public market performance pre-acquisition |
| 2015 | $1.81 billion | $1.5 billion | Strong organic growth and franchise expansion |
Revenue Trends and Context
Buffalo Wild Wings has presented steady revenue and profit momentum over the past few years. After experiencing a net loss in 2022, it rebounded with $129 million net income in 2023, compared to $158 million in 2022, but still a recovery from the downturn.
The upward trend in 2024’s same-store sales indicates sustained consumer demand and operational resilience amid casual-dining sector challenges.
Integration under Inspire Brands
Buffalo Wild Wings’ performance is supported by Inspire Brands’ broader network and resources. Inspire reported $32.6 billion in total systemwide sales in 2024, with over 33,000 global restaurants and nearly 650,000 employees.
Although Inspire doesn’t release brand-by-brand public figures, Buffalo Wild Wings remains one of its flagship lines in system sales, brand equity, and growth investments.
Outlook for 2025
With the continued roll-out of Buffalo Wild Wings GO, digital ordering, and AI-driven menu enhancements, the brand is well-positioned to push systemwide sales beyond $4 billion in 2025. Its estimated net worth of $2.5 billion reflects not just current revenue but also long-term growth potential. As more GO units open—61 new locations in 2024 alone—it may increase both top-line revenue and asset value in the coming years.
Brands Owned by Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is part of a growing empire of restaurant chains owned by Inspire Brands. Here is a detailed breakdown of brands owned by Buffalo Wild Wings itself as of 2025:
| Name | Type | Launch Year | Key Functions | Ownership | Current Reach (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Wild Wings GO | Fast-casual spin-off | 2020 | Small-format takeout/delivery-focused wing restaurants | Wholly owned by BWW | 250+ locations (U.S. only) |
| Buffalo Wild Wings Sportsbook | In-restaurant gaming unit | 2023 (pilot) | Sports betting and fantasy game integrations in select locations | Operated by BWW | 50+ locations (pilot in legal states) |
| B-Dubs Gear | Retail/merch division | 2021 | Branded apparel, sauces, merchandise, sold in-store and online | Fully owned retail arm | Nationwide (online + select stores) |
| B-Dubs eSports Nights | Event & content division | 2022 | Hosting esports tournaments, streaming events, fan gaming nights | Owned by BWW | 100+ locations host events |
| BWW Canada Operations | International division | Ongoing | Canadian franchise support, regional compliance, and marketing | Mixed direct + franchise | 20+ locations (Ontario, Alberta) |
| Franchise Systems LLC | Legal/franchise entity | Post-2018 | Manages contracts, royalties, franchisee support and expansion | Legal subsidiary of BWW | Supports 900+ franchise locations |
Buffalo Wild Wings GO
Buffalo Wild Wings GO is a fast-growing, takeout- and delivery-focused spin-off brand launched in 2020. Designed for smaller urban spaces, this format offers a streamlined menu that includes wings, sauces, boneless wings, fries, and drinks—all optimized for portability and quick service.
By 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings GO has expanded to over 250 locations across the United States, primarily in metropolitan areas and college towns. The concept is built around digital ordering, limited seating, and faster prep times. It has significantly contributed to the brand’s post-pandemic growth and captured younger, delivery-first customers.
Buffalo Wild Wings GO is owned, branded, and operated directly by Buffalo Wild Wings and is not franchised under a separate legal entity. It shares infrastructure, branding, and menu systems but is treated as a distinct format within the overall portfolio.
Buffalo Wild Wings Sportsbook (Pilot Initiative)
In 2023, Buffalo Wild Wings began piloting sportsbook and betting integrations in select U.S. states where sports gambling is legal. This initiative includes interactive sports betting experiences integrated into the restaurant environment via mobile apps, games, and in-restaurant screens.
By 2025, this betting and fantasy sports feature—branded under Buffalo Wild Wings Sportsbook—has rolled out to over 50 test locations, particularly in states like New Jersey, Nevada, and Illinois. While not a full-fledged sportsbook operator, Buffalo Wild Wings has partnered with betting platforms to offer immersive fan experiences directly in its restaurants.
The Sportsbook is not a standalone company but a proprietary business vertical directly managed and monetized by Buffalo Wild Wings. It serves as an experiential add-on to drive traffic during live games.
B-Dubs Merch & Retail
Buffalo Wild Wings also operates a growing merchandise and retail division. This includes branded clothing, sauces, drinkware, sauces-to-go, and party packs. These products are sold both in-restaurant and online.
In 2025, the merch division operates under the label B-Dubs Gear, and the sauce retail line has become a recognizable grocery product in select regions. It has helped the brand build a lifestyle image beyond its restaurants, especially among sports fans.
This division is wholly owned and operated by Buffalo Wild Wings as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) retail extension. It functions as a brand enhancement and a revenue-generating asset, especially during sports seasons.
Buffalo Wild Wings eSports & Streaming Events
Buffalo Wild Wings has increasingly focused on gaming and esports to attract a younger audience. As of 2025, the company hosts live esports tournaments and streaming events in partnership with major gaming franchises. These events are organized under the B-Dubs eSports Nights banner.
The company has converted select locations into viewing lounges for competitive gaming, featuring major tournaments, fantasy sports drafts, and fan competitions.
This unit is not an independent company but a content and event arm owned by Buffalo Wild Wings. It helps generate foot traffic and engagement, especially on non-sports game days.
Buffalo Wild Wings Canada Operations
Buffalo Wild Wings directly operates a small but expanding network of locations in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Alberta. While franchised in part, the brand maintains regional headquarters to handle compliance, marketing, and operations for this international market.
Unlike Inspire’s other brands, Buffalo Wild Wings maintains partial direct oversight and operational control in Canada. It is a key international foothold that the brand aims to scale further into 2026.
Buffalo Wild Wings Franchising Program
The franchising arm of Buffalo Wild Wings is a vital part of its growth model. The company directly manages relationships with multi-unit franchisees and controls real estate, design, equipment procurement, and brand compliance.
The franchising program is operated under the Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Systems LLC entity, a legal subsidiary formed after its acquisition by Inspire. This entity handles contractual agreements, royalties, marketing contributions, and geographic growth planning.
This unit is essential for scaling Buffalo Wild Wings without stretching operational resources. It also enables the brand to test different formats, such as airport locations and university food courts.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings is currently owned by Inspire Brands, which itself is controlled by Roark Capital Group. The company has grown significantly since its founding in 1982 and is now part of one of the largest food service groups in the world. The brand continues to evolve under Inspire’s leadership, with a focus on growth, innovation, and guest experience.
FAQs
Is Buffalo Wild Wings owned by Allu Arjun?
No, Allu Arjun does not own Buffalo Wild Wings. He is a part-owner of a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise in Hyderabad, India. He has no ownership or business affiliation with the brand. Buffalo Wild Wings is owned by Inspire Brands, a U.S.-based restaurant holding company.
Who bought Buffalo Wild Wings out?
Buffalo Wild Wings was bought out by Arby’s Restaurant Group in 2018 for approximately $2.9 billion. Following the acquisition, Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings were merged under a newly created holding company called Inspire Brands.
Who is the largest shareholder of Buffalo Wild Wings?
As of 2025, Buffalo Wild Wings is a privately held subsidiary of Inspire Brands, which is majority-owned by Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm. Therefore, Roark Capital is the largest indirect shareholder.
Who originally owned Buffalo Wild Wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings was originally owned by its co-founders, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, who started the business in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio. They came up with the concept after craving authentic Buffalo-style wings.
Where is Buffalo Wild Wings located?
Buffalo Wild Wings operates across the United States and has a growing international presence, including Canada, the Middle East, and select Asian markets. Its corporate headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the Inspire Brands network.
How many Buffalo Wild Wings are there?
As of 2025, there are over 1,250 Buffalo Wild Wings locations worldwide, including traditional sports bars and smaller-format Buffalo Wild Wings GO units. The majority are located in the United States.
When did Buffalo Wild Wings become a franchise?
Buffalo Wild Wings began offering franchise opportunities in 1994. Franchising played a major role in its national expansion during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Who is the current owner of Buffalo Wild Wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings is owned by Inspire Brands, which is backed by Roark Capital Group.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings a franchise?
Yes, many of its restaurants are franchise-owned, though Inspire Brands owns and operates some locations directly.
When was Buffalo Wild Wings founded?
It was founded in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings part of a larger company?
Yes, it is part of Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby’s, Sonic, Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and Jimmy John’s.
Who was the CEO before Inspire Brands acquired Buffalo Wild Wings?
Sally Smith was the CEO from 1996 until 2017.
Is Buffalo Wild Wings still publicly traded?
No, it was acquired in 2018 and is now privately owned.