Buffalo wings have become a beloved staple in the world of appetizers, offering a perfect blend of spice and savory flavors that have won over taste buds across the globe. The popularity of these delicious wings has led to a myriad of brands offering their take, each adding unique twists to this classic dish. From well-established chains to emerging culinary innovators, the options for indulging in top-tier buffalo wings are virtually endless. Explore the following list to discover some of the best brands out there for buffalo wings.
Illustration of buffalo wings
Best brands of buffalo wings in 2025
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is a renowned brand and a leading producer of buffalo wings, founded in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery. The company is known for its welcoming neighborhood atmosphere and offers 21 mouth-watering signature sauces and seasonings. With a peak revenue of $2.0 billion in 2023 and over 44,000 employees, Buffalo Wild Wings has established itself as a major player in the consumer services industry. The brand's market capitalization stands at $2.437 billion as of December 2024, reflecting its strong market presence. Buffalo Wild Wings continues to be a favorite among sports fans and wing enthusiasts alike. Discover more about their delicious offerings and welcoming dining experience on the Buffalo Wild Wings official website.
Wingstop
Wingstop is a leading fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its high-quality buffalo wings, with system-wide sales increasing by 27.1% to approximately $3.5 billion in fiscal year 2023, marking the 20th consecutive year of same store sales growth. The brand has seen significant expansion, opening 73 net new locations in the fiscal second quarter of 2024 and achieving a domestic same store sales growth of 28.7%, driven primarily by transaction growth. Wingstop's average unit volume (AUV) has risen to $2.0 million, and digital sales now account for 68.3% of system-wide sales. With over 2,450 locations worldwide, Wingstop continues to solidify its position as a category leader in the chicken wings market. The company's vision is to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand. For more details on their financial performance, visit the Wingstop Investor Relations page.
Anchor Bar
Anchor Bar, a seminal establishment in Buffalo, New York, is renowned as the birthplace of the Buffalo wing, a culinary innovation credited to Teressa Bellissimo in 1964. This iconic bar has been a cornerstone in the poultry industry, transforming what were once considered humble chicken scraps into a highly sought-after delicacy. The National Chicken Council estimates that Americans consume a staggering 27 billion chicken wings annually, with Buffalo wings being a significant part of this figure. Despite fluctuations in chicken wing prices and supply challenges, Anchor Bar remains a beloved destination, especially during events like the Super Bowl, where Americans are projected to eat 1.45 billion chicken wings. The bar's legacy is further celebrated through the National Buffalo Wing Festival, attracting wing enthusiasts globally.
Hooters
Hooters is renowned as one of the best producers of buffalo wings, serving over 30 million wings annually, particularly during major sports events like the Super Bowl. The brand operates in more than 29 countries with over 400 locations worldwide, including 292 in the U.S., and has seen sales rise despite challenges, such as a 0.8% year-over-year sales increase in a difficult market. Hooters' resilience is highlighted by its loyal customer base and the success of its fast-casual chain, Hoots, with 110 development agreements. The chain has also launched a line of frozen appetizers and snacks, available at Publix Super Markets, to cater to consumers preparing meals at home. Despite some restaurant closures, Hooters remains a strong and relevant brand after 41 years in business. For more detailed insights, you can explore their franchise analysis.
Duff's Famous Wings
Duff's Famous Wings is a renowned brand celebrated for its authentic and delicious Buffalo wings, a tradition that began in 1969 when Louise Duffney introduced the first batch, selling nearly 20 pounds a week. Known for using only jumbo, fresh, never-frozen wings, Duff's employs a double-frying technique to ensure crispy skin and juicy meat. The restaurant, originally founded in 1946, was renamed Duff's Famous Wings in 1985 to reflect its specialty. With multiple locations, including in Buffalo, New York, and Southlake, Texas, Duff's offers a variety of sauces, including a 'Death' level that requires a release form. The brand is particularly famous for its high-quality wings and competitive pricing, such as $30.99 for a platter of 20 wings. For more details, you can visit their official website.
Pluckers Wing Bar
Pluckers Wing Bar is renowned as one of the best producers of buffalo wings, having been named one of the "Top 10 Wing Restaurants" in America by USA Today in 2012 and one of the "Top 5 Sports Bars in North America" by ESPN the same year. With an estimated annual revenue of $253.8 million and a workforce of 1036 employees, Pluckers Wing Bar has established a strong presence in the restaurant industry. The brand is known for its fresh, hand-crafted sauce recipes and made-to-order meals, setting it apart from competitors. Pluckers Wing Bar has also seen significant growth, with a 54% increase in employee count in the previous year. Its loyalty program, the Pluckers Club, rewards members with points for every dollar spent, enhancing customer loyalty. For more information, visit their official website.
East Coast Wings & Grill
East Coast Wings + Grill is a renowned brand for buffalo wings, boasting over 55 award-winning flavors and 7 heat indexes, offering more than 420 combinations of Buffalo-style wings. The brand's secret wing sauce has earned the Best Hot Sauce award at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY. With a strong franchise model, East Coast Wings + Grill achieved a 15.13% average unit NOI for the 2.0 franchise model in 2023 and an average unit net sales of $2,040,117. The brand's menu and family-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite among wing lovers, contributing to its stability and growth potential. East Coast Wings + Grill has been ranked in the Top 50 Franchise by Franchise Business Review from 2012 to 2023. Learn more about their delicious offerings and franchise opportunities on their official website.
Wings Over
Wings Over is a renowned brand in the buffalo wing industry, known for its high-quality and flavorful offerings. In 2019, 43% of its franchised outlets met or exceeded the average Gross Sales figure, with the highest Gross Sales reaching $3,344,413 and an average of $1,395,054 across 30 outlets. The brand's success is attributed to its diverse menu options and innovative sauce choices, keeping customer interest high. Wings Over has maintained strong sales even through challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its resilience and customer loyalty. With a median Gross Sales of $1,280,766 in 2019, Wings Over stands out as a leader in the chicken wing market. For more detailed information on Wings Over franchise costs and profits, visit this review.
Bonchon
Bonchon stands out as a leading producer of Korean fried chicken, including buffalo wings, with impressive sales growth and market presence. The brand has achieved a 12% year-over-year sales increase, surpassing industry averages, and a 24.7% increase in average unit volume to $1.57 million since 2018. In 2022, Bonchon saw a 5% increase in same-store sales and added 12 domestic and 30 international locations. The company's commitment to quality and innovative flavors has earned it recognition as the "gold standard for fried chicken" and "Best Chicken Wings in the U.S." from reputable sources. With over 430 restaurants across nine countries, Bonchon continues to expand its global footprint.
Zaxby's
Zaxby's is a renowned brand in the quick-service restaurant industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality buffalo wings and signature sauces. In 2023, Zaxby's achieved systemwide sales of $2.52 billion, marking a 5% year-over-year sales growth, with 941 stores across the country. The brand's success is driven by its hand-breaded chicken and iconic sauce lineup, including 12 bold sauces. Zaxby's has been ranked in the Top 50 of the 2024 Franchise Times Top 400 list, climbing to the 44th spot, and it also made a significant leap to the 133rd position in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 ranking. With over 950 locations in 17 states, Zaxby's continues to expand and maintain its high standards.
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