Discrimination and Closure: A Look at Buffalo Wild Wings and Wild Wing Cafe Incidents
A few years ago, I visited a Buffalo Wild Wings in North Hollywood, CA, for a meeting with a friend. During what should have been a routine dining experience, I was asked to provide my credit card before ordering. Moments later, I received a notification that my card had been charged $50, despite not having received any food.
Allegations of Racial Bias
When I asked the waitress why my card had been charged in advance, her response was troubling:
“Black customers have a tendency to eat and leave without paying.”
I observed other patrons and noticed that white customers were not asked to prepay. Two Black men at a nearby table shared similar experiences, affirming a pattern of differential treatment. I raised my concerns with the manager, who offered a $25 gift certificate as an apology. While the gesture was appreciated, it didn’t address the larger issue of biased treatment.
Buffalo Wild Wings has faced scrutiny over such practices, but they are not alone. Wild Wing Cafe, another popular chain, has a notable history of allegations of racial discrimination.
The Wild Wing Cafe Incident
In 2013, a group of 25 Black patrons was denied service at a Wild Wing Cafe in North Charleston, SC, after waiting for over two hours. The refusal stemmed from a white customer claiming to feel “threatened” by their presence. Michael Brown, a member of the group, shared the experience on social media after attempts to contact the corporate office went unanswered.
The incident garnered national attention, sparking widespread criticism and calls for boycotts. Wild Wing Cafe later apologized and promised to take action, but the backlash significantly impacted the brand’s reputation.
WAITRESS STATES WHAT SHE SAYS REALLY HAPPENED WITH 25 BLACK PATRONS
Wild Wing Cafe’s Decline in North Charleston
Following this incident and other reported cases of discrimination, all Wild Wing Cafe locations in the Charleston areawere eventually closed. The last restaurant, located in North Charleston, shuttered in February 2024 amid financial struggles exacerbated by public outcry and the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Young: The Legacy of Chicken Wings
Interestingly, the chicken wing craze itself owes much to John Young, a Black restaurateur in Buffalo, NY. In the early 1960s, Young introduced “Wings and Things,” featuring whole chicken wings coated in his signature mumbo sauce. His unique preparation predated the Buffalo-style wings that later became a national favorite.
Rick Ross and Wingstop: A Different Approach
In contrast to these controversies, Wingstop, partially owned by rapper Rick Ross, has cultivated a reputation free of major discrimination allegations. Ross owns nearly 30 Wingstop locations and has positioned the franchise as both a profitable venture and a way to create jobs within communities.
“With Wingstop, we are bringing in the food I like and adding jobs to the community. It’s a double win,” Ross has said.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Multiple High-Profile Cases
Buffalo Wild Wings has been at the center of several racial discrimination cases over the years. Here are the most notable incidents:
1. Naperville, Illinois (2019)
Incident: A group of African American customers was asked to move because a white customer did not want to sit near Black people.
Details:
- A group of 12, including adults and children, visited a Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville.
- A staff member requested they move tables, citing a “regular customer” who was “racist.”
- The group left the restaurant, feeling humiliated.
Outcome:
- Buffalo Wild Wings fired the employees involved.
- The company issued a public apology and implemented mandatory anti-racism training for staff.
2. Kansas City, Missouri (2016)
Incident: A Black employee filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and harassment.
Details:
- The employee claimed they were subjected to racial slurs and a hostile work environment by managers and coworkers.
- The lawsuit also alleged they were denied promotions due to their race.
Outcome:
- The case was settled out of court, with the terms undisclosed.
3. Warren, Michigan (2015)
Incident: A Black family was allegedly denied service.
Details:
- The family claimed they were ignored by staff while white customers were promptly served.
- The incident was described as racially biased treatment.
Outcome:
- Buffalo Wild Wings did not comment publicly, and no lawsuit was filed.
4. General Allegations of Discrimination
Buffalo Wild Wings has also faced broader allegations, including:
- Employees alleging they were overlooked for promotions due to race.
- Customers reporting being treated unfairly or ignored based on their race.
Wild Wing Cafe: Notable Incidents
Though Wild Wing Cafe has fewer reported cases of discrimination compared to Buffalo Wild Wings, the incidents are no less serious.
1. North Charleston, South Carolina (2013)
Incident: A group of African American customers was denied service.
Details:
- A group of 25 Black patrons waited two hours to be seated.
- They were eventually told they could not be served because a white customer felt “threatened” by their presence.
- The incident was shared on social media, gaining widespread attention.
Outcome:
- Wild Wing Cafe apologized and fired the manager involved.
- The company promised to implement diversity training for its staff.
Closure of North Charleston Locations:
- Following the backlash and subsequent financial difficulties, all Wild Wing Cafe locations in North Charlestonwere closed. The final restaurant in the area permanently shut its doors in February 2024.
2. General Allegations
Other sporadic claims of racial discrimination have included:
- Employees alleging unfair treatment or termination based on race.
- Customers reporting differential treatment due to their race.
Common Themes in Both Chains
Customer Discrimination
- Pattern: Both chains have faced accusations of treating Black customers unfairly, including refusing service, ignoring them, or forcing them to move to accommodate racist patrons.
Employee Discrimination
- Pattern: Employees at both chains have reported hostile work environments, racial slurs, and being passed over for promotions due to their race.
Final Thoughts
These incidents highlight the importance of addressing racial bias in the restaurant industry. While many establishments work to create welcoming environments, incidents like those at Buffalo Wild Wings and Wild Wing Cafe serve as reminders of the need for accountability and equitable treatment for all customers.
When choosing where to dine, it’s worth considering not only the quality of food but also the values of the businesses we support.