Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the largest and most recognizable names in the restaurant industry, particularly in the casual dining sector. Known for its sports bar atmosphere and deliciously saucy wings, this company has made a name for itself not just for its menu but also for offering employees a wide range of job opportunities. But which position at Buffalo Wild Wings offers the highest paying job at BWW? More importantly, what does it take to land these high-paying jobs? This article dives deep into the career prospects at Buffalo Wild Wings and will give you a comprehensive view of the highest paying jobs available, the qualifications needed to obtain them, and a guide to rising through the ranks.
Overview of Buffalo Wild Wings as an Employer
Buffalo Wild Wings, often called B-Dubs, has thousands of locations across the United States. The company provides jobs to a wide range of individuals, from part-time high school students to seasoned restaurant managers. With so many employees contributing to the success of Buffalo Wild Wings, it’s worth examining the structure and salary opportunities that exist within the company, including the highest paying job at BWW.
The company has built a reputation for its employee-friendly policies, offering career growth opportunities and competitive wages for those willing to invest in their roles. Buffalo Wild Wings operates under the concept of “Work hard, play hard,” where employee satisfaction is key to providing excellent customer service. They also place great importance on internal promotions, ensuring that hard-working employees are often the first to be considered for new and higher-paying positions.
Salary Structure at Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of salaries, depending on the role, level of experience, and geographic location. These salaries can range from minimum wage for some entry-level positions to well into the six figures for upper management positions. For example, the Director of Operations role commands one of the highest salaries, with figures reaching up to $144,230 per year.
If you’re looking to learn more about career growth in the restaurant industry, the National Restaurant Association provides valuable resources on industry standards and career opportunities.
Let’s break down some of the highest paying positions within the company and what those roles entail:
Top-Paying Positions at Buffalo Wild Wings
-
Director of Operations:
Salary: Up to $144,230/year
The Director of Operations oversees the management of multiple Buffalo Wild Wings locations, ensuring that each restaurant runs smoothly and profitably. This role is responsible for setting strategies to improve sales, customer satisfaction, and overall performance across various sites. It’s one of the most demanding roles in the company due to the sheer scope of responsibility. This person must be able to effectively manage multiple teams, handle logistics, and ensure that each location adheres to corporate standards. -
Restaurant General Manager:
Salary: Approx. $60,000/year
The Restaurant General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall management of one Buffalo Wild Wings location. They oversee daily operations, manage staff, handle finances, and ensure customer satisfaction. GMs are often the face of the restaurant, so they need to be great communicators and leaders who are capable of resolving conflicts while maintaining a positive work environment. -
General Manager:
Salary: Approx. $58,000/year
Similar to the Restaurant General Manager, a General Manager has significant responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. This includes managing staff, setting schedules, ensuring quality control, and maintaining operational efficiency. GMs also have to work closely with other managers and sometimes report directly to the Director of Operations. -
Assistant General Manager:
Salary: Approx. $50,225/year
The Assistant General Manager (AGM) works closely with the GM to assist in managing the restaurant. Their duties often overlap with those of the GM, but AGMs are generally more involved in the direct supervision of employees and handling the logistical side of operations. -
Restaurant Manager:
Salary: Approx. $54,312/year
This position focuses more on specific aspects of the restaurant, such as overseeing food preparation, maintaining service standards, and ensuring that the restaurant adheres to health and safety guidelines. While the salary is lower than that of the GM, this position still offers significant responsibility and potential for career advancement. -
Front of House Manager:
Salary: Approx. $50,000/year
The Front of House Manager is in charge of the customer experience. They ensure that hosts, servers, and bartenders are delivering excellent service and that the dining environment is pleasant and well-maintained. This role involves working closely with customers to resolve complaints and ensure a positive dining experience.
Breaking Down the Salary Range and Potential Bonuses
While these salaries are competitive, many of the positions at Buffalo Wild Wings also come with potential bonuses. Bonuses are often tied to performance metrics such as sales goals, customer satisfaction scores, and overall profitability. For instance, a GM might receive quarterly bonuses if their location meets certain sales targets. This can significantly increase their annual income, making these roles, especially the highest paying job at BWW, even more attractive.
In addition to base salary and bonuses, employees in managerial roles often have access to benefits such as paid time off and performance incentives. This adds another layer of compensation that can make the financial package at Buffalo Wild Wings quite compelling.
Non-Managerial High-Paying Jobs
While management roles tend to command the highest paying job at BWW, there are several non-managerial positions that offer competitive pay as well. These positions might not require as much responsibility but still provide good earning potential and opportunities for advancement. Below are some of the higher-paying non-managerial jobs available at Buffalo Wild Wings:
Technical Product Manager
Salary: Approx. $82/hour
The Technical Product Manager is an essential part of the corporate structure, particularly in technology and product development. This role involves overseeing the development of new technology systems, ensuring that they are integrated smoothly into restaurant operations. This role is not tied to the restaurant floor but works on the digital and tech infrastructure that supports restaurant functions, such as point-of-sale systems, customer-facing apps, and internal reporting systems.
Store Manager
Salary: Approx. $28.46/hour
Store Managers are responsible for overseeing the retail aspects of Buffalo Wild Wings locations that sell branded merchandise. This role requires managing inventory, tracking sales, and ensuring that customers receive excellent service in the retail space. Though this position is not as high-paying as a GM role, it still offers significant earning potential and opportunities for career growth.
Host/Hostess
Salary: Approx. $15.29/hour
Hosts and hostesses are the first point of contact for customers when they walk into a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. While this role is typically considered entry-level, it still offers relatively high pay compared to other entry-level positions in the industry. The job involves managing the seating arrangements, taking reservations, and ensuring that guests are greeted warmly and seated quickly.
Front End Associate
Salary: Approx. $14.21/hour
Front End Associates manage transactions at the register, handle take-out orders, and interact with customers during the checkout process. While this is also an entry-level role, the pay is competitive, and employees in this position can work their way up to higher-paying roles within the company.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings in Non-Managerial Roles
If you’re starting out in one of these non-managerial roles, there are several ways to increase your earning potential:
- Cross-training: Learning multiple positions within the restaurant (such as hosting, serving, and bartending) can increase your value to the company and make you eligible for raises.
- Performance Reviews: By excelling in customer service, hitting sales targets, and maintaining a positive attitude, you increase your chances of receiving raises during performance reviews.
- Shifts and Tips: For those in tipped positions such as servers and bartenders, working peak hours can significantly increase earnings through tips. For example, working on game days or during special events when the restaurant is busiest can lead to much higher tip earnings.
Career Path to the Highest Paying Jobs
The path to a highest paying job at BWW often starts with entry-level positions. Many of the highest-paid employees began as servers, hosts, or kitchen staff and worked their way up. The company places a strong emphasis on promoting from within, which means that hard work and dedication are often rewarded with advancement opportunities.
Steps to Advancing in Your Career
- Master Your Current Role: Whether you’re starting as a host or a server, it’s important to excel in your current position. Demonstrate that you’re reliable, hardworking, and good with customers. This will get you noticed by management.
- Take Initiative: Don’t just do the bare minimum. Look for ways to improve processes, help your coworkers, and contribute to the success of the restaurant. Managers look for employees who show leadership potential, even if they’re not yet in a management role.
- Request Additional Training: Buffalo Wild Wings offers various training programs for employees who want to advance. By participating in these programs, you show that you’re committed to your career and willing to invest the time and effort necessary to succeed.
- Apply for Internal Promotions: When higher-paying positions become available, don’t be afraid to apply. If you’ve demonstrated your value to the company and taken the time to develop your skills, you’ll be in a strong position to move up the ladder.
- Network: Build strong relationships with your managers and coworkers. Networking can often lead to new opportunities within the company that you might not be aware of.
- Leverage Performance Reviews: Use your performance reviews as an opportunity to discuss your career goals with your manager. Make it clear that you’re interested in advancing within the company and ask for feedback on how you can improve.
Regional Salary Differences
Another important factor to consider when evaluating pay at Buffalo Wild Wings is regional salary variation. Pay rates can differ significantly depending on the state or city where a restaurant is located. For instance, positions in higher-cost living areas like California, New York, and Washington typically pay more than the national average to account for the increased cost of living.
Examples of Regional Pay Differences
- California: In California, the average salary for a General Manager is higher due to the state’s cost of living. The same role that might pay $58,000 elsewhere can pay up to $83,785/year in California. Additionally, servers in California tend to earn more due to the state’s minimum wage laws.
- New Jersey: In New Jersey, servers and hosts might earn higher wages than in other parts of the country, again due to state wage laws. Employees in higher positions, such as GMs and Assistant Managers, also earn more compared to those working in lower-cost regions.
- Washington: In Washington state, hourly wages for restaurant staff are higher due to minimum wage laws, and GMs in the state may command higher salaries as well.
Why Location Matters
When considering a career with Buffalo Wild Wings, it’s important to take into account the regional salary variations. Working in a high-cost area might provide a higher salary, especially if you are targeting the highest paying job at BWW, but living expenses will also be greater. Conversely, working in a lower-cost area might provide less pay, but your overall cost of living will be lower, potentially making it a more affordable and sustainable option in the long term.
Additionally, high-traffic locations (often found in urban areas) can provide employees in tipped positions such as servers and bartenders with a significant boost in earnings. For instance, servers working in New York City or Los Angeles can expect much higher tips than servers working in rural areas, thanks to the volume of customers and higher bill totals.
Real-Life Examples and Career Progression Stories
The career paths of many Buffalo Wild Wings employees serve as a testament to the opportunities available within the company. Some of the highest-ranking employees started in entry-level positions, working their way up to management through hard work and dedication.
Example: From Server to General Manager
Take the story of Sarah, who started as a server at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Texas. Sarah joined the company while she was in college, working part-time as a server to pay her bills. After a few years of working hard, taking on extra shifts, and participating in the company’s leadership training programs, Sarah was promoted to Assistant General Manager. Over time, she continued to climb the ranks, eventually becoming a General Manager for her location. Today, she earns a competitive salary and enjoys the challenges and rewards of managing a restaurant.
Example: From Hostess to Director of Operations
Michael started as a host at a Buffalo Wild Wings location in California. After showing strong leadership skills and a knack for customer service, he was promoted to Shift Leader and then to Assistant Manager. Michael excelled in his new role, and his efforts didn’t go unnoticed by upper management. After several years of success as a GM, Michael was offered the opportunity to oversee multiple Buffalo Wild Wings locations as a Director of Operations. Today, Michael holds the highest paying job at BWW, earning a six-figure salary.
Tips for Aspiring Managers
- Work Smart and Hard: It’s not just about putting in long hours; it’s about making sure those hours are productive. Focus on improving processes and finding ways to make the restaurant more efficient.
- Build Strong Relationships: Networking is key in any industry, and the restaurant business is no different. Get to know your coworkers, managers, and even customers. Building strong relationships can lead to new opportunities and promotions.
- Stay Flexible: In the restaurant business, flexibility is crucial. Be open to working different shifts, covering for coworkers, and taking on new responsibilities. The more flexible you are, the more valuable you become to the company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working at Buffalo Wild Wings
1. How much does a Server at Buffalo Wild Wings make in tips?
- Servers can make a substantial portion of their income through tips, especially in busy locations. During peak hours, servers may earn anywhere from $200-$300 per night in tips. The volume of customers and the average ticket size can significantly impact tip earnings.
2. How much do you get paid at Buffalo Wild Wings in California?
- California’s minimum wage laws and cost of living mean that employees tend to earn more than in other states. For example, a General Manager in California can earn up to $83,785 per year, and servers in California locations typically earn higher hourly wages than those in other states.
3. What is the highest paying job at Buffalo Wild Wings?
- The highest paying job at Buffalo Wild Wings is the Director of Operations, with a salary that can reach up to $144,230 per year. This role involves overseeing multiple restaurant locations and ensuring that each one operates efficiently and profitably.
4. What kind of bonuses are available for management positions?
- Management positions often come with bonuses that are tied to performance metrics such as sales targets, customer satisfaction, and overall profitability. Quarterly or monthly bonuses can significantly increase the overall compensation for managers at Buffalo Wild Wings.
5. What benefits do employees receive?
- While benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans are typically associated with full-time positions, many Buffalo Wild Wings employees, particularly those in management, have access to various perks including bonuses, paid time off, and discounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide variety of roles with competitive salaries and clear opportunities for career advancement. Whether you’re starting as a host, server, or cook, or you’re aiming for a highest paying job at BWW in management, there’s a path for growth. Through hard work, dedication, and smart career planning, you can rise to one of the top-paying jobs within the company, like Director of Operations or General Manager. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, Buffalo Wild Wings remains a strong player, offering rewarding careers to those who are passionate about food service and leadership.