Since 1995, Buffalo Wild Wings has been conveniently located next to AU’s campus, but now due to the franchise parameters for stores and because of a lack of space, B-Dubs is relocating. 

According to Franchisee Ken Brown, in order to match the generation five or “stadia” look that all Buffalo Wild Wings are being updated with, the building the Ashland Buffalo Wild Wings sits in would need to be completely torn down and rebuilt. The location does not meet the parking and size requirements the franchise requires, so relocating was really the only option. 

“I would have liked to have stayed here,” Brown said. “It’s kind of bittersweet. We need more room and we have outgrown the building and the kitchen. 

The new location will offer much more room. Brown explained that the new store will be 7,300 square feet compared to the current 4,000 square feet. This extra space will allow for 284 seats compared to the current 154 seats. It will even allow for more TVswith the new store boasting 65 TVs compared to the 28 TVs being used right now. The new location will also offer a year-round patio that will better accommodate groups.

Though many more people can be served at one time, Brown notes that deliveries, at least to residential locations will no longer happen. 

“We’re evaluating the business delivery, but we will not deliver to residents any more,” Brown said. “We’ll chop it down for businesses but we’re evaluating that and trying to make an adjustment.”

The target date for opening the new location is mid December. The current location will close two weeks prior to the grand opening. Over the two weeks between the closing and the grand opening, the old building will be cleaned out and everything in the building, with the exception of TVs will be auctioned. The second week will be used for staffing and training at the new location. 

Brown explained that the general event nights including Tuesday night trivia and Wednesday night karaoke will be continued at the new location. One thing that will likely change about karaoke night is the recently enacted “21 and up only” rule. Because of the bigger location, Brown noted it would be easier to monitor the karaoke and he also encouraged and recognized the need for patrons to have a designated driver. 

Overall, Brown believes this will be a very positive and exciting experience for the restaurant. 

“Ashland gets the newest, latest and greatest, which is cool,” Brown said. “This is a big deal for us.”