Depending on where you live, your wing options may have just become a little more limited.
Buffalo Wild Wings is closing restaurants across the country in 2026, raising questions about the chain’s footprint and long-term strategy.
Founded in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio, Buffalo Wild Wings has grown into the largest sports bar chain in the U.S. by systemwide sales, ranking No. 1 in Nation’s Restaurant News’ annual “Top 500” report, which was produced with Datassential.
Inspire Brands, the same company behind Dunkin’ and Arby’s, acquired the chain in 2018 for roughly $2.9 billion. Currently, Buffalo Wild Wings operates more than 1,400 locations nationwide—a footprint that remains substantial even amid the recent closures.
Despite the shuttered locations, there’s no indication Buffalo Wild Wings is retreating from these markets entirely. Instead, the pattern suggests a broader recalibration: the company shedding underperforming restaurants while leaning further into takeout-friendly formats and franchising as it repositions its footprint for the long term.
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the chain’s downtown location on South State Street closed on May 3 after more than 20 years. Manager Paul Creely pointed to the state of the restaurant industry overall as one of the reasons behind the decision. “We understand that people don’t have as much money to come out and eat, and it’s just the nature of the beast,” he told MLive.
Other locations have faced a different set of hurdles. For example, in Hicksville, New York, the Buffalo Wild Wings location closed in late January as part of a mall redevelopment project that is expected to exceed $100 million.
Which Buffalo Wild Wings locations are closing in 2026?
Inc. confirmed the following closures so far this year:
Michigan
- 205 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
New York
- 358 B Broadway Mall, Hicksville, NY 11801
Virginia
- 2450 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
Illinois
- 3343 Shoppers Drive, McHenry, IL 60051
- 2685 Sycamore Drive, Morris, IL 60450
California
- 1620 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129
- 6314 E Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803
Colorado
- 8350 W 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80005
Georgia
- 3333 Buford Drive, Buford, GA 30519
Indiana
- 10625 Pendleton Pike A12, Indianapolis, IN 46236
Kansas
- 2624 Iowa Street, Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66046
Buffalo Wild Wings did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
—Amaya Nichole, News Writer
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This article originally appeared on Fast Company’s sister website, Inc.com.
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