Buffalo Wild Wings in Athens announces opening date! Win free food!

Big news, food lovers! **Buffalo Wild Wings** is set to make its grand debut in Athens, and it’s time to get excited! This highly anticipated opening is accompanied by a chance for patrons to indulge in **free wings**. Here’s everything you need to know about this savory sensation that’s about to hit the scene.

Mark Your Calendars: Opening Day Details

**Buffalo Wild Wings**, affectionately known as B-Dubs, will officially swing open its doors on **August 11**. The festive ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick things off from **10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.**, led by the Athens Chamber of Commerce.

As one of the leading sports bar chains in the United States, Buffalo Wild Wings prides itself on connecting friends and families through thrilling game days. Their motto? **”Celebrate every play”** while enjoying a menu packed with delectable options and a wide selection of beers. With the promise of wall-to-wall TVs, this venue aims to create an experience that rivals the thrill of being in a stadium.

Score Free Food on Opening Day!

Hold onto your taste buds! The first **100 customers** in line on opening day will feast on **free wings for a year**. Yes, you read that right! Each winner will receive a punch card or voucher granting them **one free meal each week** for an entire year—**52 free meals** in total! This is an opportunity not to be missed.

What’s Cooking at Buffalo Wild Wings?

The menu at Buffalo Wild Wings truly speaks for itself. Featuring both **bone-in and boneless wings**, patrons can indulge in nearly **30 signature sauces** that elevate the experience. Beyond wings, the menu includes tantalizing choices such as mouthwatering burgers, hearty sandwiches, crispy fries, and appetizers like fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, and beer-battered onion rings. There’s something for everyone here!

Location, Location, Location!

The new Buffalo Wild Wings will make its home at **1956 W. Broad Street**, occupying the previously beloved **Red Lobster** space. This transition promises to retain the vibrancy of the neighborhood while bringing a fresh and exciting dining option to the area.

What Happened to Red Lobster?

For context, the Red Lobster location was a staple in Athens since **1973** but shuttered its doors unexpectedly in May 2024. The restaurant was amongst over **80 closures nationwide**, attributed to declining sales and a tumultuous financial landscape for the chain. Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” promotion didn’t pan out as planned, contributing to significant losses and leading the company to consider bankruptcy. However, the arrival of Buffalo Wild Wings signals a new chapter for this location.

Food enthusiasts and sports fans alike, get ready for an electrifying addition to the Athens dining scene. **Buffalo Wild Wings** is here, and the buzz surrounding its opening is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience! Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to opening day continues.

Note: This article was edited by Ryne Dennis, the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with him on the platform formerly known as Twitter @RyneDennis or via email at [email protected].