Buffalo Wild Wings has unveiled a new fast-casual restaurant concept specifically designed for global markets, marking a major strategic shift in the brand’s international growth strategy. The launch is accompanied by the brand’s first international franchise agreement for the format, with plans to develop hundreds of locations across the Middle East over the next decade.
Parent company Inspire Brands announced that it has partnered with Galadari Food & Beverage Division, a subsidiary of UAE-based Galadari Brothers Group, to introduce the new concept across the region. The first restaurant is scheduled to open in Dubai within the coming weeks, serving as the prototype for a broader regional rollout.
The new format has been purpose-built to accelerate Buffalo Wild Wings’ expansion beyond its traditional sports-bar model. Designed for both dine-in and takeaway occasions, the concept combines a smaller footprint with streamlined operations, innovative kitchen equipment, and enhanced speed of service, allowing the brand to enter trade areas and real estate formats that may not support a full-scale sports bar.
“This new fast-casual concept was specifically developed to accelerate Buffalo Wild Wings’ international growth and expand the brand’s ability to serve guests across a wider range of trade areas and occasions,” said Michael Haley, President and Managing Director, International, Inspire Brands. “Combined with the global appeal of chicken and the strength of the Buffalo Wild Wings brand, we believe this format is exceptionally well-positioned to drive meaningful international expansion.”
The concept draws inspiration from Buffalo Wild Wings GO, the company’s off-premise-focused format in the United States, which has expanded to more than 200 locations nationwide. Rather than replacing the traditional Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar, the new model is intended to complement the existing format and create additional avenues for international growth.
The menu will feature the brand’s core offerings, including Traditional Wings, Boneless Wings, Chicken Tenders and Chicken Sandwiches, all customizable with 16 signature sauces and seasonings. The concept also introduces a new hand-breaded bone-in chicken offering, prepared using a proprietary marinade and breading blend developed exclusively for the format. Side dishes include fries, rice and slaw, allowing flexibility across diverse international markets.
For Galadari Brothers, the agreement expands a long-standing relationship with Inspire Brands. The group already operates more than 1,200 restaurants across the Middle East under the Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ and Jimmy John’s brands, making it one of Inspire’s largest franchise partners outside the United States.
“We have deep trust in the Buffalo Wild Wings brand and its proven off-premise operating model, which we believe will strongly resonate with guests across international markets,” said Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman, Galadari Brothers. “Its focus on a premium chicken experience, sauce variety and convenience makes it especially well-suited for the Middle East and beyond.”
Suhail Galadari, Co-Chairman of Galadari Brothers added: “The new Buffalo Wild Wings concept represents the evolution of how consumers experience global brands, and we are proud to introduce this innovative model to new markets.”
Founded in 1982, Buffalo Wild Wings is the largest sports-bar brand in the United States, operating more than 1,300 restaurants across nine international markets. The company is part of Inspire Brands, whose portfolio includes Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and SONIC. Inspire Brands operates more than 33,300 restaurants globally, with over 10,000 locations outside the United States.
The launch of the new fast-casual concept represents one of the most significant international development initiatives in Buffalo Wild Wings’ history, providing the brand with a scalable platform to accelerate growth in high-potential global markets while capitalizing on rising demand for premium chicken and convenience-driven dining experiences.
