Not sure whether to hit up BWW or Wingstop for your next wing craving? Check out our comparison of the Buffalo Wild Wings vs Wingstop to see what are the differences and similarities.
Are you looking for the ultimate wing experience? Then you’ve probably heard of Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop. These two chains are known for their delicious wings and a range of other menu items, but what sets them apart?
In this article, we’ll compare Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop, examining their history, menus, prices, atmosphere, nutrition, delivery options, loyalty programs, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the differences between these two chains and which one might be the best fit for you.
History and Background of Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop
Table of Contents
Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop are two popular chains that specialize in chicken wings. Both chains have a loyal following, but they have distinct differences in their history and approach to the fast-casual dining experience.
| Chain | Founded | Mission Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 1982 | “Wings. Beer. Sports.” |
| Wingstop | 1994 | “The Wing Experts” |
Buffalo Wild Wings was founded in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio, by two friends who loved chicken wings. The first restaurant was called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, and it wasn’t until 1998 that the name was changed to Buffalo Wild Wings. Today, the chain has over 1,200 locations in the United States and worldwide.
Wingstop, on the other hand, was founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, by Antonio Swad. Wingstop started as a small restaurant with a big idea: to serve the world’s best chicken wings. Today, the chain has over 1,500 locations in the United States and worldwide.
Despite different origins and growth trajectories, both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop have made a name for themselves as go-to spots for chicken wings, with their own unique takes on the classic dish.
Buffalo Wild Wings Vs Wingstop: What’s The Difference
Menu Comparison: Wings and Beyond
When it comes to wings, Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop are two of the biggest players in the game. Both chains offer a variety of flavors, sauces, and sides to create the perfect wing meal. Here’s a comparison of the menus at Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop:
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Wingstop |
|---|---|
| Traditional wings | Classic wings |
| Boneless wings | Boneless wings |
| Chicken tenders | Chicken tenders |
| Chicken sandwiches | Chicken sandwiches |
| Burgers | Fries |
| Salads | Veggie sticks |
While both chains offer traditional and boneless wings, Buffalo Wild Wings also has chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and burgers on their menu. Wingstop focuses mainly on wings and offers classic and boneless varieties, along with fries and veggie sticks as sides.
When it comes to flavors, both chains offer a wide range of options:
- Buffalo Wild Wings: classic hot, mild, medium, BBQ, teriyaki, honey mustard, garlic parmesan, Asian zing, Caribbean jerk, lemon pepper, Nashville hot, and more.
- Wingstop: original hot, mild, atomic, Cajun, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, Hawaiian, mango habanero, and more.
Both chains also offer a variety of sauces to customize your wings:
- Buffalo Wild Wings: blue cheese, ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, sweet Asian chili, and more.
- Wingstop: ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, BBQ, and more.
Finally, it’s worth noting that both chains offer a variety of sides to complete your meal. Buffalo Wild Wings has options like fries, onion rings, and mac and cheese, while Wingstop offers fries, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Pricing at Buffalo Wild Wings Vs Wingstop
When it comes to pricing, both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop offer comparable prices for their menu items. However, there are some slight differences worth noting.
| Menu Item | Buffalo Wild Wings Price | Wingstop Price |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Wings (10) | $12.99 | $10.99 |
| Boneless Wings (8) | $11.99 | $9.49 |
| Large Fries | $4.49 | $3.99 |
| Soft Drink (20 oz) | $2.99 | $2.49 |
As you can see from the above table, Wingstop generally offers slightly lower prices for their menu items. However, it’s worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings often runs specials and deals that can make their prices more competitive.
It’s also worth mentioning that both chains offer value menus and combo deals, which can help customers save money. Additionally, some menu items (such as boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings) are available in larger quantities, which can provide better value for customers looking to feed a crowd.
Atmosphere and Ambiance: Which Chain Has the Best Vibe?
Both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop aim to create a lively and energetic atmosphere for their customers, but there are some notable differences in the ambiance of each chain.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its sports-bar feel, with dozens of TVs displaying various games and events. The decor features sports memorabilia, and the music tends to be upbeat and high-energy. The noise level can get quite loud during peak hours, making it a great spot for groups or casual hangouts.
Wingstop
Wingstop, on the other hand, lacks the sports-bar vibe and instead opts for a more laid-back atmosphere. The atmosphere is more relaxed, with a focus on providing a comfortable space where customers can enjoy their food and chat with friends. The music is typically quieter than at Buffalo Wild Wings, making it a better spot for intimate conversations or quieter evenings.
Ultimately, the choice between Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop will depend on your personal preference for atmosphere and ambiance. If you’re looking for an energetic, sports-focused environment, Buffalo Wild Wings may be the best choice for you. If you prefer a more laid-back, comfortable atmosphere, Wingstop may be the better option.
Nutrition Comparison: Which Chain Offers Healthier Options?
For health-conscious patrons, it can be challenging to find healthy options at fast food chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop. While both chains offer salads and vegetable sides, their menus primarily consist of fried wings and other high-calorie fare.
However, when comparing nutrition information, it appears that Buffalo Wild Wings has a slight edge in terms of healthier options.
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Wingstop | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per Wing | 70-150 | 100-190 |
| Sodium per Wing | 160-350mg | 190-330mg |
| Trans Fat per Wing | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol per Wing | 15-40mg | 15-45mg |
As shown in this table, Buffalo Wild Wings’ wings generally have fewer calories, less sodium, and less cholesterol than Wingstop’s wings. Both chains offer zero trans fat options, however.
It’s worth noting that both chains recently added non-fried options to their menus, such as grilled chicken and cauliflower wings. These options tend to be lower in calories and fat than traditional wings.
- Buffalo Wild Wings’ Grilled Chicken Buffalitos contain 380 calories and 11 grams of fat.
- Wingstop’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich contains 390 calories and 8 grams of fat.
- Buffalo Wild Wings’ Cauliflower Wings contain 560 calories and 32 grams of fat.
- Wingstop’s Breaded Cauliflower contains 540 calories and 33 grams of fat.
However, it’s essential to note that these options are still relatively high in calories and fat, and should be consumed in moderation.
Conclusion:
When it comes to nutrition, Buffalo Wild Wings appears to offer slightly healthier options than Wingstop. However, both chains primarily serve fried wings and other high-calorie fare, so patrons should be mindful of their calorie intake when dining at these establishments.
Delivery and Takeout Options
Both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop offer convenient delivery and takeout options for customers who want to enjoy their favorite wings at home. Here’s what you need to know:
| Chain | Delivery Options | Takeout Options |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Delivery available through third-party apps such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. | Takeout available for online or phone orders. Customers can also use the mobile app to place orders for pickup. |
| Wingstop | Delivery available through the Wingstop app, website, and third-party apps such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. | Takeout available for online or phone orders. Customers can also use the mobile app to place orders for pickup. |
It’s worth noting that delivery fees and wait times may vary depending on your location and the third-party delivery app you choose. However, both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop strive to provide fast and reliable delivery service to their customers.
Loyalty Programs: Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Rewards Vs Wingstop’s Club
Both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop offer loyalty programs for their frequent customers. These programs are designed to reward loyal customers for their ongoing support, and to encourage repeat business. Here we compare and contrast the loyalty programs offered by the two chains.
Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Rewards
Buffalo Wild Wings’ loyalty program is known as Blazin’ Rewards. This program rewards customers with points for every dollar spent in the restaurant or online. Points can be redeemed for various rewards, such as free wings, discounts on food, and more. In addition, members of Blazin’ Rewards receive exclusive offers and promotions via email and text message.
To join Blazin’ Rewards, customers can sign up online or via the Buffalo Wild Wings app. Members earn 100 points just for signing up, and can earn extra points by completing challenges, such as trying new menu items or visiting the restaurant on certain days of the week.
Wingstop’s Club
Wingstop’s loyalty program is called the Wingstop Club. This program also rewards customers with points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free food items. In addition, members of the Wingstop Club receive special offers and promotions via email and text message.
To join the Wingstop Club, customers can sign up in-store or online. Members receive a free order of fries just for signing up, and can earn extra points by referring friends or taking advantage of special promotions.
Which is better?
Both loyalty programs have their advantages. Blazin’ Rewards is more flexible, allowing customers to redeem points for a wider range of rewards. Wingstop’s Club, on the other hand, offers more points for certain purchases, such as ordering from the Wingstop app.
Ultimately, the choice between the two programs comes down to personal preference. Both are free to join and offer great rewards for loyal customers.
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FAQs: Common Questions About Buffalo Wild Wings Vs Wingstop
As readers consider Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop, they may have some questions that need answers before deciding which chain to visit. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. Which chain has more locations?
As of 2021, Buffalo Wild Wings has over 1,200 locations worldwide, while Wingstop has around 1,500 locations in the US, Mexico, and other countries.
2. What are the most popular flavors at each chain?
At Buffalo Wild Wings, some of the most popular wing flavors include Honey BBQ, Parmesan Garlic, and the signature Blazin’ sauce. At Wingstop, the most popular flavors include Original Hot, Lemon Pepper, and Garlic Parmesan.
3. Which chain has better deals on wings?
Both chains often have deals on wings, such as discounted prices on certain days of the week. However, the specific deals and prices vary by location and time of year, so it’s best to check their websites or apps for current promotions.
4. Are there any vegetarian options at Buffalo Wild Wings or Wingstop?
While both chains primarily specialize in chicken wings, they offer some vegetarian options such as salads, veggie burgers, and sides like fries and onion rings.
5. Can I order online or through a mobile app?
Yes, both Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop offer online ordering and mobile apps for ordering and delivery. However, the specific features and availability may vary by location.
6. Which chain has a better rewards program?
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Rewards program offers rewards for frequent visits and purchases, while Wingstop’s The Club rewards program offers points for purchases that can be redeemed for free food. The specific benefits vary by program and location.
7. Is there a difference in the quality of wings between the two chains?
Both chains are known for their high-quality wings, but the taste and texture may vary by location and personal preference. It’s best to try both and decide for yourself!
With these questions answered, readers can now make a more informed decision on which chain to visit based on their preferences and needs.
