Step into almost any American town, and chances are you'll find a lively sports bar buzzing with the aroma of hot wings and the roar of a crowd. More often than not, that place is Buffalo Wild Wings, a chain synonymous with chicken wings, beer, and sports. But if you've ever found yourself wondering about the restaurant's quirky nickname, "BW3s," you're not alone. This seemingly simple abbreviation holds a fascinating story, rooted in the chain's humble beginnings and a culinary tradition that predates its national fame. It’s a tale that takes us from an ice skating competition in Ohio to the homesick cravings of two friends from Buffalo, revealing how a regional delicacy shaped the identity of a future multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Understanding "why is it called BW3s" unlocks a piece of American casual dining history.
Beyond the wings and the beer, the name "BW3s" is a direct link to the restaurant's original concept and its founders' vision. It speaks to a time when a unique food item, a regional sandwich, was as central to their identity as the now-famous chicken wings. As we delve into the origins of Buffalo Wild Wings, we'll uncover the full meaning behind that enigmatic "3" and trace the journey of a brand that started with a simple craving and grew into a national phenomenon.
Table of Contents
- The Genesis of a Wing Empire: A Columbus Story
- The Original Name: Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (BW3)
- From BW3 to Buffalo Wild Wings: The Name Evolution
- Beyond the Name: The Rise of a National Phenomenon
- Decoding "Bdubs": Another Popular Nickname
- Jim Disbrow & Scott Lowery: The Visionaries Behind the Wings
- The Arby's Acquisition: A New Chapter
- The Enduring Legacy of Buffalo Wild Wings
The Genesis of a Wing Empire: A Columbus Story
The story of Buffalo Wild Wings, and ultimately why is it called BW3s, begins not in Buffalo, New York, as many might assume, but in Columbus, Ohio. It was 1982 when two friends, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, found themselves in Kent, Ohio. Disbrow had just finished judging an amateur figure skating competition at Kent State University, and the pair, feeling the pangs of hunger, set out to find a restaurant. Their search, however, proved fruitless – they couldn't locate a place that satisfied their specific craving: authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings.
This craving wasn't just a random hunger pang; it was a deep-seated homesickness. Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery had recently moved from Buffalo, New York, to Columbus, Ohio. As the restaurant chain's site itself confirms, these buddies were genuinely homesick for the chicken wings that were a staple of their former hometown. This simple, relatable desire for a taste of home sparked an idea, a realization that if they couldn't find the wings they craved, perhaps they should be the ones to provide them. This entrepreneurial spark led to the opening of their very first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, laying the groundwork for what would become a national sensation. The original BW3 restaurant was located on High Street in Columbus, a humble beginning for a brand that would one day be recognized across the country.
The Original Name: Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (BW3)
The initial concept for the restaurant was more than just chicken wings. While wings were undoubtedly the star, the founders, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, wanted to bring another piece of Buffalo's culinary heritage to their new home in Columbus. This is where the "3" in "BW3s" comes into play. The original name of the restaurant, when it was founded in 1982, was "Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck."
So, what exactly is "weck"? "Weck" stands for kimmelweck, which is a specific type of Kaiser roll. What makes a kimmelweck roll unique is its topping: it's sprinkled generously with caraway seeds and coarse salt. This distinctive roll is the foundation for "roast beef on weck," another traditional Buffalo, New York, food. It's a sandwich featuring thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a kimmelweck roll, often served with a side of au jus for dipping. This hearty, flavorful sandwich was a beloved part of Buffalo's food scene, just as much as its famous chicken wings.
In their inaugural menu, alongside their now-famous wings, Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck included this traditional roast beef on weck sandwich. The idea was to offer a comprehensive taste of Buffalo to their new Ohio customers. The abbreviation "BW3" was a straightforward representation of this original name: "B" for Buffalo, "W" for Wild Wings, and "3" for Weck. It was a clear, concise way to refer to their establishment, reflecting the three core elements of their initial culinary offering.
From BW3 to Buffalo Wild Wings: The Name Evolution
While the roast beef on weck was a cherished tradition in Western New York, its appeal didn't quite translate beyond the Buffalo area. The founders quickly realized that while their chicken wings were a hit, the "weck" sandwich wasn't catching on with their broader customer base in Ohio and beyond. It was a classic case of regional tastes not quite making the leap to a national palate. Despite its deliciousness – and indeed, many who have tried it in its native Western NY will attest to its quality, often recommending places like Charlie the Butcher – the kimmelweck simply didn't resonate outside its specific geographic niche.
As the restaurant chain began to expand and gain popularity, the decision was made to streamline their offering and their brand identity. They stopped serving the roast beef on weck sandwich, recognizing that it wasn't a key driver of their business or their growth. With the removal of the "weck" from their menu, it made logical sense to remove it from their name as well. This pivotal change occurred in 1998, when the company officially changed its name from "Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck" to simply "Buffalo Wild Wings."
This name change directly explains why is it called BW3s, even though the "weck" is no longer part of the official name. The abbreviation "BW3s" stuck around as a nostalgic nod to the original name. For long-time customers and those familiar with the chain's history, "BW3s" became a beloved, informal nickname, a shorthand that carried the weight of its full, original moniker. It serves as a historical marker, a reminder of the brand's roots and the full scope of its initial culinary vision. So, while the "weck" is gone from the menu and the official name, its legacy lives on in the persistent use of "BW3s" by many loyal patrons.
Beyond the Name: The Rise of a National Phenomenon
Once the name was simplified to Buffalo Wild Wings, the company was free to focus entirely on what truly resonated with its growing customer base: the chicken wings and the sports bar experience. The founders' initial craving for authentic Buffalo wings laid the foundation, but it was their ability to transform that craving into a scalable business model that propelled them to national prominence. Buffalo Wild Wings became more than just a place to eat; it evolved into a destination for sports enthusiasts, a communal space where friends and families could gather to watch games, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and, of course, devour a wide variety of chicken wings.
The menu expanded to include an impressive array of sauces and dry seasonings, catering to every palate, from the mildest to the most adventurous. This focus on customization and flavor variety became a cornerstone of their appeal. Beyond the wings, they cultivated a vibrant sports bar environment, complete with numerous televisions broadcasting various sporting events, a wide selection of beers, and an energetic ambiance. This combination of delicious, customizable wings and an immersive sports viewing experience proved to be a winning formula, allowing Buffalo Wild Wings to grow from a single location in Columbus to a sprawling network of restaurants across the United States. The brand effectively capitalized on the American love affair with both chicken wings and competitive sports, cementing its status as a go-to spot for casual dining and entertainment.
Decoding "Bdubs": Another Popular Nickname
While "BW3s" is a historical abbreviation tied to the restaurant's original name, another popular nickname for Buffalo Wild Wings has emerged over time: "Bdubs." This abbreviation is much more straightforward and is believed to have originated directly from customers shortening the name "Buffalo Wild Wings" for convenience and ease of pronunciation. It's a natural evolution of language, where long names are often condensed into simpler, catchier forms.
The nickname "Bdubs" is essentially an acronym formed by taking the "B" from Buffalo, and then phonetically representing "Wild Wings" as "dubs" (double-u, double-u, or W.W. sounds like "dubs"). This makes it quick and easy to say, especially in casual conversation. Unlike "BW3s," which carries the historical weight of the "weck" sandwich, "Bdubs" is purely a modern, customer-driven shorthand for the current name. It reflects the contemporary identity of the brand, focusing solely on the "Buffalo Wild Wings" aspect.
Both "BW3s" and "Bdubs" are widely recognized and used by fans of the restaurant, though "Bdubs" might be more prevalent among newer generations of customers who are less familiar with the chain's original nomenclature. The existence of both nicknames highlights the brand's deep integration into popular culture and the way its name has evolved and been embraced by its loyal customer base.
Jim Disbrow & Scott Lowery: The Visionaries Behind the Wings
The success of Buffalo Wild Wings, and the intriguing story behind why is it called BW3s, can be largely attributed to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of its two founders, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery. Their friendship, shared background, and a simple craving for a taste of home laid the groundwork for a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
Jim Disbrow: A Biographical Sketch
Jim Disbrow's journey to becoming a co-founder of a national restaurant chain is as unique as the name of his original establishment. Before venturing into the culinary world, Disbrow was deeply involved in the sport of figure skating. He wasn't just a casual fan; he was an amateur figure skating competitor and later became a judge. It was, in fact, after he had finished judging an amateur figure skating competition at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, that the pivotal moment occurred – the search for chicken wings that ultimately led to the birth of Buffalo Wild Wings.
Disbrow's connection to Scott Lowery also stems from his skating background. Lowery's parents served as Disbrow's ice skating coaches and guardians when he was younger, forging a deep and lasting bond between the two families and, subsequently, between Jim and Scott themselves. This shared history and mutual respect undoubtedly played a significant role in their ability to collaborate effectively and build a successful business from the ground up.
Scott Lowery: The Co-Founder's Journey
Scott Lowery, the other half of the founding duo, shared a similar passion for sports and a connection to Buffalo, New York. While less is publicly detailed about his individual professional background prior to Buffalo Wild Wings, his role as a co-founder was indispensable. His parents' involvement as Jim Disbrow's ice skating coaches and guardians speaks to a close-knit relationship that transcended mere friendship. This personal connection likely fostered a strong sense of trust and shared ambition between Disbrow and Lowery, crucial elements for any successful partnership.
Lowery's presence during that fateful search for wings in Kent, Ohio, and his shared homesickness for Buffalo's culinary delights, cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the Buffalo Wild Wings story. Together, their combined vision and determination transformed a simple idea born out of nostalgia into a thriving business.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Homesickness to Empire
The entrepreneurial spirit of Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery is a testament to how a simple, relatable problem can lead to a grand solution. Their motivation was clear: they were homesick for chicken wings. This wasn't just about satisfying a personal craving; it was about identifying a gap in the market. If they, as Buffalo natives, couldn't find authentic wings in Columbus, surely others would appreciate them too.
They didn't just lament the absence of their favorite food; they took action. They pooled their resources, knowledge, and passion to create the very establishment they wished existed. Their willingness to take a risk, to move from a casual craving to a full-fledged business venture, is what sets them apart. They built the brand from scratch, starting with that original location on High Street in Columbus, and nurtured it through its early stages, including the crucial decision to drop "weck" from the name, which explains why is it called BW3s in its original form. Their foresight in focusing on the wings and the sports bar concept allowed Buffalo Wild Wings to evolve from a local eatery into the national phenomenon it is today, a true testament to their pioneering spirit.
The Arby's Acquisition: A New Chapter
The journey of Buffalo Wild Wings took a significant turn in 2017 when it was acquired by Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby's. This major deal, valued at approximately $2.9 billion, marked a new chapter in the restaurant chain's history. For a brand that started with two friends' homesickness for chicken wings, reaching a valuation of nearly $3 billion underscored its incredible growth and market impact.
Under the umbrella of Inspire Brands, Buffalo Wild Wings began to focus on strategic improvements aimed at solidifying its market position and enhancing the customer experience. This included a renewed emphasis on improving the quality of its food, from the wings themselves to other menu items. Restaurants underwent updates, refreshing their interiors to create a more modern and inviting atmosphere, while still retaining the core sports bar vibe that customers loved. Furthermore, there was a concerted effort to enhance the overall customer experience, from service efficiency to digital engagement. This acquisition by a major industry player like Inspire Brands provided Buffalo Wild Wings with the resources and strategic direction needed to continue its evolution and maintain its relevance in a competitive casual dining landscape. It ensured that the legacy built by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, and the unique story behind why is it called BW3s, would continue to thrive under new stewardship.
The Enduring Legacy of Buffalo Wild Wings
From a simple craving for authentic chicken wings to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, the story of Buffalo Wild Wings is a quintessential American success story. It's a narrative built on friendship, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep understanding of what people want: good food, a great atmosphere, and a place to connect over shared passions. The journey from "Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck" to "Buffalo Wild Wings," and the enduring nickname "BW3s," is a testament to the brand's adaptability and its rich, layered history.
At its core, the name "Buffalo Wild Wings" itself reflects a rich combination of history, culinary innovation, and cultural significance. "Buffalo" pays homage to the original place where Buffalo wings were created, anchoring the brand in a tradition of flavor and authenticity. "Wild" promises an adventurous and lively dining experience, reflecting the energetic sports bar environment that the chain cultivates. While the Buffalo Wild Wings logo includes a picture of an actual buffalo (or bison), there actually isn't any connection between the dish and the animal besides their name – it's a clever visual play on the "Buffalo" in Buffalo wings.
Today, Buffalo Wild Wings stands as a national phenomenon, a beloved institution for chicken wing lovers and sports fans alike. Its history, including the intriguing origin of why is it called BW3s, adds depth and character to a brand that continues to evolve. The story serves as a reminder that even the most massive chains often have humble, personal beginnings, driven by simple desires and the courage to pursue them.
Did you know the full story behind "BW3s" before reading this? What's your favorite Buffalo Wild Wings memory or sauce? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you're curious about other fascinating brand histories, be sure to explore more articles on our site.
