The popular restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings, also known as BW3, has returned to Tallahassee.
The wing specialty sports bar had its grand opening Monday. It has moved to a new location on Magnolia Drive at Governor’s Square Boulevard, this time, with more than 6,000 square feet of dining space. The 6,700-square-foot wingery previously occupied a lot on West Tennessee Street.
The restaurant closed after a 15-year run on June 26, 2011, when the franchise expired.
Customers were caught off guard when the restaurant closed its doors seemingly for the last time.
Taurris Wilkes, a client account specialist for GradImages, said the closure seemed like the end of an era.
“When BW3’s closed a few years ago, I thought I’d never see them in Tallahassee again,” Wilkes said. “It was an experience like no other at the time. The new owners have big shoes to fill, but I’m sure they will do great.”
Frank Martinez, a junior psychology and criminal justice student from Plantation, Fla., said he is excited the restaurant has returned.
“I don’t know why they left in the first place,” Martinez said. “They have by far the best wings in Tallahassee, as well as the best sports bar. The wings even taste better than before, so I’m excited that they’re back.”
Andy Fagnoni, general manager for Buffalo Wild Wings, said the restaurant wants to partner with the community.
“We’re excited to be back,” Fagnoni said. “We are now a corporately owned restaurant. We partner closely with the Boys and Girls Club and we plan to [do] a lot of things in the community. We really do try to get in with the families even though, we are a sports bar.”
Some students use the eatery as a place to relax and take a break from classes.
Patrick Fenderson, a senior criminal justice student from east St. Louis, said he comes for sporting events.
“It’s a really cool place to hang out and relax,” Fenderson said. “I usually come for sporting events. It has a nice social atmosphere to it.”
According to Fagnoni, more than 170 people are now employed because of Buffalo Wild Wings.
Kayla Cox, a senior music industry student from Delray Beach, Fla., said she loves to eat wings from the eatery.
“Buffalo Wild Wings is one of my favorite places to eat,” Cox said. “I am so ecstatic that they are back in Tallahassee.”
Buffalo Wild Wings offers reduced prices on drinks, wings and other foods on Tuesdays and Thursdays.