Discover the full story behind Arby’s buying buffalo wild wings, why the deal happened, how it impacts customers, and what it means for both brands.
Are certain business headlines making you roll, blink twice and articulate, Wait what? Arby’ s to buy Buffalo Wild Wings? Does that even produce sense?
I still remember exactly when I was when I first heard about it. I was standing in line at a coffee shop, While rolling my phone, when I got over it a news popped up:“ Arby’ s to procure Buffalo Wild Wings I multi- billion- dollar deal.” At first, I honestly thought it was some kind of meme. One K those parody posts How hypocritical to buy the brand from each other. But then I opened the article, interpreted the details, and realized that this is not a joke. Arby’ s, the fast- food chain famous for its roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and “We have The Meats!” slogan, Official purchase Buffalo Wild Wings, A massive sports bar restaurant known worldwide for its wings and game- day atmosphere.
And honestly?
The more I dug into it, the more interesting the story became in this article. I’ll progress you through everything:✔ Why? Arby’ s Decided to buy Buffalo Wild Wings,✔ How the deal air,✔ How much it investment,✔ What does it mean? customers and the restaurant industry,✔ And how? this one move changed the future of both brands.
Everything explained in a friendly, conversational tone- just esteem you speak business news over a cup of chai with a friend.
Let’s violate it all under
What You'll Discover:
What Sparked Title: Arby’ s to buy Buffalo Wild Wings
When people first search“ Arby’s is buying buffalo wild wings”, they usually try to authenticate whether the acquisition was original, recent or still relevant. And the answer is: Yes, Arby’ s really bought Buffalo Wild Wings.
The deal was announced in 2017 And officially completed early 2018.
But the story is not as simple as that“ one restaurant Bought another one. ” Absolutely not.
This acquisition became the foundation to a brand- new restaurant empire.
Just think two ingredients join together to create a third A brand new taste- yes, that’s exactly what happened here.
A Quick Background: Who are These Two Restaurant Giants?
Before we dig deeper, let’s quickly review what we’re actually talking about.
Arby’ s
Established in 1964, Known for Arby’s Its roast beef sandwiches, Curly fries, Drive- thru convenience, And classic fast- food Pricing It’ s The brand you analyze when you desire it something filling But it isn’t the time to a sit- down meal.
Buffalo Wild Wings( BWW)
But on the other hand, Buffalo Wild Wings- Often called B- Dubs, became the go- to location to: Sports events, Beer towers, Huge screens, Crispy wings, And this dynamic, game- day vibe.
Established in 1982, It grew to over 1, 200 locations worldwide.
One brand I dwell in the“ quick drive- thru” world, While the other thrives I“ sit down, recognize the match, Hanging out with friends“ universe.
Complete different worlds, correct?
Well, that’s why the acquisition is very interesting.
Why? Would Arby’ s Want to Buy Buffalo Wild Wings?
He is the golden question.
Why? a fast- food chain Go inside the world of sports Bars?
The answer: It actually is a business strategy many large corporations use: Diversity.
Let me explain with a simple example.
If you situate everything your savings in one business and that business struggles, You forfeit everything. But if you spread your investments across different industries, your risk is reduced.
Restaurant brands do the same thing.
Arby’ s saw an opportunity to spread beyond fast- food sandwiches and enter a whole new dining category. Buffalo Wild Wings wasn’t the only one“ another restaurant”, it was a market leader in the sports bar.
Here are the main reasons Arby’ s went for the deal:
1. To create a Multi- Brand Restaurant Powerhouse
Arby’ s did not try to expand Arby’ s.
It tried to expand its reach.
To buy Buffalo Wild Wings allowed them to construct something bigger: A group of restaurants instead of a single chain.
2. Because Buffalo Wild Wings Deleted the Time
About 2016– 2017, BWW Not acting as strong as before.
Wing prices were sky high.
Customer traffic started to fall.
Some locations performed poorly.
Arby’ s parent company saw a chance to level up, buy it at a good price, and turn things around.
3. To insert a Higher- Profit Dining Category
Sports bars, casual dining restaurants, and places where alcoholic beverage sales usually happen have higher margins compared to simple fast- food shops.
To Arby’ s, This means: More variety= Multiple streams of income.
4. To grow their Influence in the Restaurant Industry
At the time, Esteem big chains McDonald’ s And Yum! The brands dominated.
Arby’ s Wanted its own empire.
And buying Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect step.
The Money Question: How much did Arby’ s pay Buffalo Wild Wings?
Here’ s Jaw Dropping Personality:$ 2.4 billion Yes- Blaine, with a” B”.
When I first saw this number, my eyes widened. It’ s the kind of value you expect from tech companies or international hotels, sports bars not restaurants.
But remember: Buffalo Wild Wings our one K the biggest chicken- wing In links the world.
So the price, although it was large, was not surprising to most industry experts.
The Birth of Inspire Brands: The new parent company
Now here’s an interesting twist Arby’ s Just didn’t buy Buffalo Wild Wings And call it a day.
Instead, the acquisition the wind something bigger: The creation of Inspire Brands.
This is the part most people remember when you apply“ arby’ s to buy buffalo wild wings.” After the deal, Arby’s CEO, Paul Brown, created a brand- new parent company It’s called Inspire Brands, And both Arby’ s And Buffalo Wild Wings became part of it.
Think about it Inspire Brands Seam a big umbrella, And sit under it multiple restaurant companies.
And guess what?
After receiving Buffalo Wild Wings, Encouragement Brands didn’t discontinue They Away a restaurant- buying spree And added: Sonic Drive- In Jimmy John’ s Rusty Taco Duncan’ Baskin Robbins Sudden, Arby’ s it just wasn’t a fast- food chain Now That was it one K the leaders K a massive restaurant empire.
How the Acquisition Changed Both Brands
I remember Buffalo Wild Wings after the acquisition and thinking:” Well, what’s diverse now?” At first glance, nothing dramatic.
The same wings.
Same sauces.
The same game- day vibe.
Same big screens show football and basketball.
But gradually, subtle changes began to emerge. And over time, these minor changes made a huge impact.
Here’ s what happened behind the scenes:
1. Better cost management
Since wing prices are big swings, Buffalo Wild Wings Slit before profit margins.
Under Inspire Brands, They became stronger: Better supply chain management Improved distribution Shared resources across brands Because of this more stability.
2. Menu innovation
Buffalo Wild Wings Started experimenting more with its menu, new sauces, Limited time offers and optimized combinations.
Arby’ s also started to release more creative sandwiches and seasonal items.
The creative teams across brands Collaboration, brainstorming and innovation are now possible.
3. More efficient operation
This part Not visible to users, but internally massive: Standard procedure Improved staffing models Stronger digital ordering systems These upgrades helped both brands be more efficient.
4. Robust digital ordering and app features
After the acquisition, both brands dramatically Improved: Online ordering Loyalty programs Mobile app offers Inspire Brands I invested a lot in digital transformation, something essential After 2020 A global pandemic.
What This Means to Customers
If you are wondering,“ Okay, All this corporate talk is fine, but what does it mean for me? a customer?” Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Your favorite wings Not going anywhere.
Buffalo Wild Wings Not changed its identity.
2. Arby’ s It increases its menu.
3. More deliveries options& loyalty Rewards 4. Faster service- thanks to upgraded systems.
5. More offers, promotions and more app- exclusive offers.
So in brief, the acquisition doesn’t” ruin” anything. In reality, he pressed on both brands to improve.
What Does the Acquisition Change The Restaurant Industry?
Absolutely yes.
First this deal, most people didn’t picture Arby’ s Seam a major corporate power. But the acquisition placed between them the top multi- brand restaurant groups in the world.
This deal also indicated a shift: Fast- food chains No longer just feeding customers- they are building empires.
More companies pursue the trend, acquire and improve their portfolios.
It’ s how Disney is still buying entertainment brands, or what tech companies produce startups to expand faster.
A Personal Reflection: Why? This Deal Still fascinates me
Every time I’m thinking about it “Arby’ s to buy buffalo wild wings, ” reminds me how unpredictable the business world can be.
Sometimes brands we thought were completely irrelevant are being adapted in ways we never expected.
It’ s Preferred if your gym purchased your favorite pizza place, confusing at first, But somehow it can occupy brilliantly.
When I first learned about this deal, I dive into article after article, not because I am a finance nerd( okay, maybe a little), but because it felt legitimate one K those“ plot twist” moments in business history.
It taught me something valuable: Success In business, it is often dependent on seeing opportunities others cannot. Arby’ s Just didn’t buy it from a restaurant.
It is the foundation to a new powerhouse.
Buffalo Wild Wings” Buy” didn’t create it- it was saved, improved and relaunched.
And together, they gave shape to a new chapter In the American food landscape.
Key Takings
- The Legacy of Arby’ s Buying Buffalo Wild Wings So if you are looking for the whole story behind“ Arby’s is buying buffalo wild wings,” here’ s truth:✔ Yes, Arby’ s purchased Buffalo Wild Wings.
- ✔ Yes, it was a multi- billion- dollar deal.
- ✔ Yes, it changed both brands forever✔ And Yes, because of that the creation of Inspire Brands, one K the biggest restaurant groups in the world.
- What started as a surprising headline changed to one K the boldest business I’m moving into: the restaurant industry.
- And honestly?
- I’m still impressed every time I’m thinking about it.
Additional Resources
- Arby’s & Buffalo Wild Wings Merger Announcement – Inspire Brands: Official corporate press release announcing Arby’s buying Buffalo Wild Wings, including deal value, leadership statements, and merger details.
