Buffalo Wild Wings Adding 20 OC Locations
Buffalo Wild Wings, one of the strongest fast-food brands in the country, is expanding out west with plans to open at least 20 restaurants in Orange County.
“California is the last frontier (for the chain), outside of Hawaii and Alaska,” said Orange County franchisee Randy Yamamoto.
The first O.C. Wing joint is expected to open in late fall in lake forest, months ahead of another restaurant planned for Santa Ana. Yamamoto, who owns the rights to open five in o.c., said he’s also scouting two spots in Irvine – including heritage square.
Another franchisee owns the rights to open up to 15 “B Dubs” (the chain’s midwest nickname) in north orange county, Yamamoto said.
As previously reported here, Santa Ana was supposed to be the first Buffalo Wild Wings to open in Orange County. But that location suffered a major setback when neighbors fought the bar and grill concept because it serves alcohol, Yamamoto said.
The Santa Ana location is back on track and is expected to open in early 2010.
