Buffalo Wild Wings Positions: Careers and Growth

Buffalo Wild Wings is much more than a place to enjoy great wings and sports on the big screen. It is also a significant employer in the foodservice industry, offering a wide array of Buffalo Wild Wings positions for people with different skill sets and aspirations. Whether you’re a student looking for part-time work, an experienced professional seeking management roles, or even someone considering a corporate career within the hospitality industry, Buffalo Wild Wings positions provide something for everyone.

This article will explore the range of positions available at Buffalo Wild Wings, delve into the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for each role, and discuss the opportunities for growth and career advancement within the company. From the entry-level positions on the restaurant floor to behind-the-scenes roles and corporate careers, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about working at Buffalo Wild Wings.

The Role of Buffalo Wild Wings in the Foodservice Industry

Buffalo Wild Wings operates over a thousand locations globally, making it one of the largest players in the casual dining and sports bar sector. The company’s growth and popularity are due, in large part, to its unique concept: a combination of excellent food, a lively atmosphere, and extensive sports coverage, making it a popular destination for groups and sports fans alike.

However, none of this would be possible without the hard-working staff who keep the business running smoothly. From kitchen staff ensuring that the food meets Buffalo Wild Wings’ high standards, to servers and bartenders making sure guests have a fantastic experience, every employee plays a crucial role in the restaurant’s success.

Buffalo Wild Wings has earned a reputation as a fun and dynamic workplace where employees can develop their skills and advance in their careers. With so many opportunities for growth, it’s no wonder that many people start their careers at Buffalo Wild Wings and end up staying for the long haul. Whether you’re just getting started in the restaurant industry or looking to advance your career, this article will help you understand what it’s like to work at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Entry-Level Buffalo Wild Wings Positions

Entry-level positions at Buffalo Wild Wings are a great way to gain experience in the foodservice industry. These roles often require little to no experience, making them perfect for individuals just entering the workforce or looking to develop new skills.

Greeter Position at Buffalo Wild Wings

The greeter is the first point of contact for guests when they arrive at Buffalo Wild Wings. This position is critical because it sets the tone for the entire dining experience. Greeters are responsible for welcoming guests, managing reservations, and ensuring that customers are seated promptly and comfortably.

Responsibilities of a Greeter:

• Greeting guests with a warm and friendly demeanor
• Managing reservations and seating arrangements
• Ensuring that guests are seated in a timely manner
• Handling special requests, such as seating for large parties or guests with disabilities
• Answering phones and providing information about the restaurant’s hours, menu, and promotions

Skills Required for a Greeter:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure, especially during busy periods
• Strong organizational skills for managing reservations and seating
• A friendly, outgoing personality that makes guests feel welcome and valued

Compensation:

• Greeters typically earn an hourly wage, and in some cases, they may also receive tips. The hourly wage for a greeter at Buffalo Wild Wings is competitive within the industry and can vary depending on location.

Server Position at Buffalo Wild Wings

Servers are the face of Buffalo Wild Wings, responsible for taking orders, delivering food and drinks, and ensuring that guests have a positive dining experience. The role of a server requires excellent customer service skills, the ability to work quickly and efficiently, and a deep knowledge of the menu and daily specials.

Responsibilities of a Server:

• Greeting guests and providing them with menus
• Taking food and drink orders accurately
• Delivering orders to the kitchen and ensuring that they are prepared correctly
• Bringing food and drinks to the table in a timely manner
• Checking in with guests during their meal to ensure everything is satisfactory
• Handling payments and providing change when necessary
• Addressing any concerns or issues that may arise during the meal

Skills Required for a Server:

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to build rapport with guests
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
• Knowledge of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergens
• Good memory and multitasking skills to manage multiple tables at once
• Ability to stay calm and collected during busy periods

Compensation:

• Servers at Buffalo Wild Wings earn an hourly wage, and a significant portion of their income comes from tips. In many cases, servers can earn more than the minimum wage due to the tips they receive, especially during busy shifts.

Cashier Position at Buffalo Wild Wings

The cashier is responsible for handling transactions and ensuring that guests are charged correctly for their meals. This role requires excellent attention to detail and strong math skills, as well as the ability to interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner.

Responsibilities of a Cashier:

• Processing payments for food and drinks using cash, credit cards, and digital payment methods
• Ensuring that the correct amount is charged for each order
• Providing guests with receipts and change when necessary
• Handling customer inquiries and resolving any issues with bills or payments
• Balancing the cash register at the end of each shift and ensuring that all transactions are accounted for

Skills Required for a Cashier:

• Basic math skills and the ability to handle cash and credit card transactions accurately
• Attention to detail to ensure that orders are charged correctly
• Good customer service skills and the ability to handle inquiries and complaints
• Reliability and trustworthiness, as the cashier is responsible for handling money

Compensation:

• Cashiers at Buffalo Wild Wings earn an hourly wage. While this role does not typically receive tips, it is still an essential position that offers the opportunity for growth within the company.

Kitchen Team Member/Cook at Buffalo Wild Wings

The kitchen team members at Buffalo Wild Wings are responsible for preparing the food that customers enjoy. This role requires a strong attention to detail, knowledge of food safety standards, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment.

Responsibilities of a Kitchen Team Member/Cook:

• Preparing food according to the restaurant’s recipes and standards
• Ensuring that food is cooked to the correct temperature and consistency
• Plating food in an appealing manner before it is delivered to the dining area
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen
• Following food safety guidelines to prevent contamination and ensure that food is safe for consumption

Skills Required for a Kitchen Team Member/Cook:

• Knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a busy kitchen
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that food is prepared correctly
• Knowledge of food safety standards and practices
• Ability to work well as part of a team

Compensation:

• Kitchen team members at Buffalo Wild Wings earn an hourly wage that is competitive within the industry. This role also offers opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a lead cook or kitchen supervisor.

Mid-Level Buffalo Wild Wings Positions

Mid-level positions at Buffalo Wild Wings are perfect for individuals who have some experience in the foodservice industry and are looking to take on more responsibility. These roles often involve supervising other employees, managing specific aspects of the restaurant, or providing specialized services to guests.

Bartender

The bartender at Buffalo Wild Wings is responsible for preparing and serving drinks to guests, as well as ensuring that the bar area is clean and well-stocked. Bartenders must be knowledgeable about different types of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine, and must be able to work quickly and efficiently during busy periods.

Responsibilities of a Bartender:

• Preparing and serving a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Checking identification to ensure that guests are of legal drinking age
• Managing the bar area, including stocking supplies and cleaning up spills
• Taking drink orders from servers and directly from guests at the bar
• Providing recommendations and answering questions about the drink menu
• Handling cash and credit card payments for drinks

Skills Required for a Bartender:

• Knowledge of different types of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently, especially during busy periods
• Knowledge of responsible beverage service and alcohol safety regulations

Compensation:

• Bartenders at Buffalo Wild Wings typically earn an hourly wage, and a significant portion of their income comes from tips. Bartenders often earn more during busy periods, such as weekends and sporting events.

Host

The host at Buffalo Wild Wings is responsible for managing the flow of guests in and out of the restaurant. This includes seating guests, managing the waitlist, and ensuring that guests are comfortable and satisfied throughout their dining experience.

Responsibilities of a Host:

• Greeting guests as they arrive and seating them at their tables
• Managing the waitlist and informing guests of estimated wait times
• Ensuring that tables are properly set up and clean before seating guests
• Assisting servers and other staff members with tasks as needed
• Handling customer inquiries and resolving any issues that arise during the meal

Skills Required for a Host:

• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner
• Strong organizational skills to manage the waitlist and seating arrangements
• Ability to multitask and handle several tasks at once, especially during busy periods
• Attention to detail to ensure that tables are clean and properly set up

Compensation:

• Hosts at Buffalo Wild Wings earn an hourly wage, and in some cases, they may also receive tips. This role is a great way to gain experience in the restaurant industry and can lead to opportunities for advancement within the company.

Management Opportunities at Buffalo Wild Wings

For individuals who are looking to take on leadership roles, Buffalo Wild Wings offers several management positions that provide more responsibility and higher earning potential. These roles involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, managing staff, and ensuring that guests have a positive dining experience.

Shift Leader

The shift leader is responsible for supervising staff during a specific shift, ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly and efficiently. This role requires strong leadership skills, as well as the ability to handle any issues that arise during the shift.

Responsibilities of a Shift Leader:

• Supervising staff during the shift, including servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders
• Ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner
• Handling any issues or complaints that arise during the shift
• Managing the flow of guests in and out of the restaurant
• Ensuring that food and drinks are prepared and delivered according to the restaurant’s standards

Skills Required for a Shift Leader:

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Ability to stay calm and collected during busy periods
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate with staff and handle guest inquiries
• Knowledge of food safety and restaurant operations

Compensation:

• Shift leaders at Buffalo Wild Wings earn a competitive hourly wage, and some may also receive bonuses based on performance. This role is often a stepping stone to higher-level management positions within the company.

Assistant Manager

The assistant manager at Buffalo Wild Wings is responsible for supporting the general manager in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. This includes managing staff, handling customer inquiries, and ensuring that the restaurant meets its financial goals.

Responsibilities of an Assistant Manager:

• Supervising staff and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently
• Managing schedules and ensuring that the restaurant is properly staffed at all times
• Handling customer inquiries and resolving any issues that arise
• Monitoring the restaurant’s financial performance and making adjustments as needed
• Assisting the general manager with tasks such as ordering supplies and managing inventory

Skills Required for an Assistant Manager:

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle difficult situations and resolve conflicts
• Knowledge of restaurant operations and food safety standards

Compensation:

• Assistant managers at Buffalo Wild Wings earn a competitive salary, and many also receive performance-based bonuses. This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, including the possibility of becoming a general manager.

General Manager

The general manager is the highest-ranking position in the restaurant and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the restaurant’s operations. This includes managing staff, ensuring that guests have a positive experience, and ensuring that the restaurant meets its financial goals.

Responsibilities of a General Manager:

• Overseeing all aspects of the restaurant’s operations, including staff, food preparation, and guest services
• Managing the restaurant’s financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Hiring and training staff, including servers, kitchen staff, and managers
• Ensuring that the restaurant meets food safety and cleanliness standards
• Handling customer inquiries and resolving any issues that arise
• Developing and implementing strategies to improve the restaurant’s performance and profitability

Skills Required for a General Manager:

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle difficult situations and resolve conflicts
• Knowledge of restaurant operations, food safety standards, and financial management
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to improve the restaurant’s performance

Compensation:

• General managers at Buffalo Wild Wings earn a competitive salary, and many also receive performance-based bonuses. This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, including the possibility of advancing to corporate roles within the company.

Behind-the-Scenes Roles

Behind-the-scenes roles at Buffalo Wild Wings are just as important as the roles on the restaurant floor. These positions ensure that the restaurant runs smoothly and that guests have a positive dining experience. Understanding food safety is a critical part of behind-the-scenes roles. Learn more about food safety to ensure that your work is up to standard.

Janitor

The janitor is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant, including the dining area, restrooms, and kitchen. This role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities of a Janitor:

• Cleaning the dining area, restrooms, and kitchen to ensure that the restaurant meets cleanliness standards
• Emptying trash cans and disposing of waste properly
• Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors
• Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, including tables, chairs, and countertops
• Ensuring that restrooms are stocked with necessary supplies

Skills Required for a Janitor:

• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of cleaning a large restaurant
• Knowledge of cleaning products and techniques

Compensation:

• Janitors at Buffalo Wild Wings earn an hourly wage that is competitive within the industry. This role is essential for maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for guests.

Inventory/Stock Manager

The inventory/stock manager is responsible for ensuring that the restaurant has the supplies it needs to operate smoothly. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage inventory efficiently.

Responsibilities of an Inventory/Stock Manager:

• Managing the restaurant’s inventory, including food, beverages, and supplies
• Ordering supplies and ensuring that they are delivered on time
• Monitoring inventory levels and making adjustments as needed
• Ensuring that the restaurant has the necessary supplies to operate smoothly
• Managing the stockroom and ensuring that supplies are properly stored

Skills Required for an Inventory/Stock Manager:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage inventory efficiently
• Knowledge of ordering and stock management systems

Compensation:

• Inventory/stock managers at Buffalo Wild Wings earn a competitive salary. This role is essential for ensuring that the restaurant has the supplies it needs to operate smoothly.

Specialized Roles at Buffalo Wild Wings

In addition to the roles within the restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers specialized roles in areas such as marketing, human resources, and operations. These roles are typically based at the company’s corporate offices and offer opportunities for individuals with specialized skills to contribute to the company’s success.

Corporate Roles

Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of corporate roles in areas such as marketing, human resources, and operations. These roles are ideal for individuals who have experience in these areas and are looking to contribute to the company’s success on a larger scale.

Responsibilities of Corporate Roles:

• Developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote the restaurant and increase sales
• Managing the company’s human resources, including hiring, training, and employee relations
• Overseeing the company’s operations, including supply chain management, logistics, and restaurant support

Skills Required for Corporate Roles:

• Specialized knowledge in areas such as marketing, human resources, or operations
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Compensation:

• Corporate roles at Buffalo Wild Wings offer competitive salaries and benefits. These roles also offer significant opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company.

Training and Development Programs at Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is committed to helping its employees grow and develop their skills. The company offers a variety of training and development programs to help employees succeed in their roles and advance their careers.

On-the-Job Training for Entry-Level Staff

Buffalo Wild Wings provides on-the-job training for entry-level staff, including servers, kitchen team members, and greeters. This training is designed to help employees learn the skills they need to succeed in their roles and provide excellent service to guests.

Training Programs Include:

• Food safety training to ensure that employees understand how to handle and prepare food safely
• Customer service training to help employees interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner
• Hands-on training to teach employees how to perform their job duties, such as taking orders, preparing food, and handling payments

Leadership Development Programs for Management Roles

For individuals who are interested in advancing to management roles, Buffalo Wild Wings offers leadership development programs that are designed to help employees build their leadership skills and prepare for higher-level positions.

Leadership Development Programs Include:

• Training on leadership skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and team management
• Opportunities to shadow current managers and learn from their experience
• Hands-on training in managing restaurant operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and staff management

These training and development programs are designed to help employees succeed in their current roles and prepare for future career growth within the company.

Benefits and Perks of Working at Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of benefits and perks to its employees, including:

• Employee Discounts and Perks: Employees receive discounts on food and beverages, allowing them to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings at a reduced cost.
• Flexible Scheduling: Buffalo Wild Wings offers flexible scheduling options to help employees balance their work and personal lives.
• Opportunities for Career Growth: With a clear career path and opportunities for advancement, Buffalo Wild Wings is committed to helping employees grow and succeed in their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What qualifications do you need to work at Buffalo Wild Wings?

• • Most entry-level positions require no formal qualifications beyond a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. However, some roles, such as bartenders, may require specific certifications.

2. What is the average pay at Buffalo Wild Wings?

• • Pay varies depending on the role, location, and level of experience. Entry-level positions typically offer competitive hourly wages, and tipped positions, such as servers and bartenders, often have the potential to earn more during busy shifts.

3. What is the work environment like at Buffalo Wild Wings?

• • The work environment at Buffalo Wild Wings is fast-paced and dynamic. Employees work together as a team to ensure that guests have a positive experience. The restaurant is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place to work for individuals who thrive in a social setting.

• • You can apply for a job at Buffalo Wild Wings by visiting the company’s official website or job boards such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter. The application process typically involves submitting a resume and completing an online application.

• • Absolutely. Buffalo Wild Wings offers clear career paths for employees who are interested in advancing within the company. Many employees start in entry-level positions and work their way up to management or corporate roles.

Conclusion

Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about the foodservice industry. Whether you’re starting as a greeter, server, or kitchen team member, or looking to advance into management or corporate roles, Buffalo Wild Wings provides a clear path for growth and development.

With a commitment to employee training and development, a dynamic and fun work environment, and opportunities for career advancement, Buffalo Wild Wings is an excellent place to start or continue your career. Whether you’re interested in gaining experience in the restaurant industry or building a long-term career in hospitality, Buffalo Wild Wings has something to offer for everyone.