Buffalo Wild Wings has many nicknames, but the one people use the most is B-Dubs, sometimes written as BDubs. This nickname came from the restaurant’s initials, and over time it turned into a fun and easy name that people like to say in everyday conversation. In simple terms, B-Dubs is just a friendly short form of Buffalo Wild Wings, which is also called BWW or the Buffalo Wild Wings nickname when people talk about it.
How the nickname started
From Buffalo Wild Wings to BW3 to B-Dubs
When the chain began in 1982 it was called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, a name that referenced a regional sandwich style. People and employees shortened that mouthful to BW3 — “B W three” — because there were three W’s in the original name. Later, when the company shortened its public name to Buffalo Wild Wings in 1998, the popular shorthand shifted again. Saying the letters B-W-W out loud led to a playful pronunciation: “bee-double-you,” which evolved into “bee-dubs” and then B-Dubs. That casual evolution explains how the nickname stuck.
Why people liked the nickname
Nicknames become popular because they are easy to say and easy to share, especially among students and sports fans who visit the restaurant often. Social media and hashtags — which do not work well with punctuation — also helped the simpler, non-hyphen version “bdubs” become more popular. Eventually, the company noticed how common the nickname was and decided to officially register it in their trademark documents.
What B-Dubs means culturally
A shorthand for wings, sports, and a vibe
More than just letters, B-Dubs represents a whole experience: a relaxed sports-bar atmosphere, many different sauces, and big TVs that people watch together. For many customers, the nickname brings back memories of game nights and meals shared with friends. This means the nickname does more than describe the brand — it also represents the social experience connected to the restaurant.
Company acceptance and branding
Although the nickname started naturally among customers, the company later accepted it and began using it in marketing campaigns and smaller brand versions. Over time, Buffalo Wild Wings refreshed its branding and launched new store formats and online promotions that matched the fun and playful feel of the nickname. These changes show how B-Dubs grew from a casual slang term into something the company uses on purpose for branding.
Recent updates and why they matter
| Topic | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Brand refresh (2024) | Visual identity and tone were updated to feel fresher and bolder. | A modern aesthetic helps the chain stay relevant to younger diners. |
| To-go expansion (2024) | Rapid rollout of BWW Go / express units focused on takeout and delivery. | Adapting to convenience demand can boost reach and keep the nickname in everyday talk. |
| Promotions and menu updates | New limited-time items and rewards programs returned in recent years. | Promotions keep the brand culturally present and give people reasons to post about B-Dubs online. |
Key dates and shifts
- 1982 — Founded as Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck near Ohio State University.
- 1998 — Company shortens its name to Buffalo Wild Wings, encouraging new nickname forms.
- 2000s — “B-Dubs” and other nicknames spread via social media and word of mouth.
- 2020s — Brand refreshes and to-go concepts keep the name in public conversation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do people call Buffalo Wild Wings B-Dubs? ▼
People say B-Dubs because the initials B-W-W sound like “bee-dubs” when spoken out loud, and it became a friendly, quick nickname used by both customers and employees.
What was the original name of the chain? ▼
When it opened in 1982, the restaurant was called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. The “Weck” part came from a local roast-beef sandwich, which is why early nicknames like BW3 existed.
Has the company changed its branding recently? ▼
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings updated its look and introduced new takeout-focused store formats in the early 2020s to stay modern and appealing.
Is BDubs used worldwide? ▼
The nickname is most commonly used in the United States, where the chain began, but people in other countries sometimes use it in online discussions and social media posts as the brand expands.
Is B-Dubs the official name of Buffalo Wild Wings? ▼
No, It started as a casual nickname, but the company now uses it in marketing, and it is also found in trademark records and public brand materials.
Conclusion
The B-Dubs nickname captures the essence of Buffalo Wild Wings: fun, approachable, and tied to great times with friends. From its humble beginnings to modern expansions, it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.