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HUNTINGTON -- Buffalo Wild Wings is an unlikely story -- a sports bar that managed to grow into a nationwide chain.

The idea to open a restaurant came after two friends, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, drove from Buffalo, N.Y., to Kent, Ohio, to judge a figure skating competition. After a busy day, the two had a craving for some wings, but they couldn't find any at the local pubs.

In 1982 they opened their first restaurant called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck: BW-3 for short. In 1992, the bar/restaurant began franchising, and today there are more than 600 locations nationwide. Some things have changed though. The Weck roll the restaurant's sandwiches were served on proved to be a tough sell nationwide. In 1999, the chain phased out the Weck in favor of a more traditional Kaiser roll and shortened its name to Buffalo Wild Wings.

The restaurant is most famous for its traditional Buffalo wings.

Customers can choose between 14 different sauces ranging from Sweet BBQ (the mildest) to Blazin' (the hottest). Exotic flavors include Parmesan Garlic, Teriyaki, Caribbean Jerk and Mango Habanero. Customers can order a batch of six wings for $4.99 and as many as 50 for $32.99. On "Wild Wing Tuesdays" the pub offers wings for 40 cents each.

"Our two biggest sellers are Honey Barbecue and Spicy Garlic," said Gil Jimenez, the general manager of the Huntington restaurant. "We have changed the menu over the years. A couple of years ago, we phased out two of our less popular sauces, Thai and Smokey Southwestern, in favor of two new flavors, Honey Barbecue and Asian Zing, which have done great things for us. We still try new sauces on a seasonal basis.

"Last quarter, we experimented with Pepper Infusion and a dry rub wing we called Desert Heat. This quarter, we're experimenting with flatbread sandwiches called Flatbread Flips. We have a steak and potato, a southwest chicken flip and a smoked pork flip."

In addition to the wings, the restaurant is well known for an assortment of burgers and other sandwiches. Hamburgers such as the "Black and Bleu Burger" topped with bleu cheese and Cajun spices range in price from $7.79 to $8.79. The restaurant is also known for its ribs. Customers can get a full pound of ribs for $13.99 or a half order of ribs and a batch of wings for $11.99.

"We have a full bar with 16 different draft beers and 33 different bottled beers," Jimenez said. "We also have a variety of liquors ranging from top shelf to well liquors. Yuengling lager and Blue Moon Ale are both offered on tap every day. We also offer a number of mixed drinks. One of our most popular is the Buffalo Zoo, which features vodka, Cointreau, sweet and sour mix, rum, cranberry juice and orange juice."

The Huntington location also recently upgraded the bar's television system adding six flat-screen LCD HD televisions. The restaurant has a DirecTV package allowing it to show several different football games at once. It also shows UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) pay-per-views once a month.

Buffalo Wild Wings is located at 746 4th Ave., in Huntington. It is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Cash and all major credit and debit cards are accepted.

For a carryout orders or more information, call 304-525-2999 or fax 304 525-3064. For a full menu, visit www.buffalowildwings.com.

Paul Sebert/For The Herald-Dispatch

Buffalo Wild Wings manager Gil Jimenez stands in front of the Huntington location at 746 4th Ave. The restaurant/bar is known for its wings, ribs and sandwiches.

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Paul Sebert/For The Herald-Dispatch

Gil Jimenez, manager of the Huntington location of Buffalo Wild Wings, 746 4th Ave., pours a glass of Yeungling for a customer. The restaurant/bar is known for its wings, ribs and sandwiches.

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