A Brief History of Buffalo Wings
Though it’s hard to imagine a sports bar menu that doesn’t feature chicken wings, this classic pub food hasn’t been around for very long. It was only about 50 years ago that this iconic appetizer was born at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY. Plus, it took some years before the chicken wing trend took off with national acclaim. Here’s a look at the history of how Buffalo wings became a fixture on bar menus everywhere.
The Anchor Bar in Buffalo
Crispy fried chicken has long been a favorite dish across America, but tossing chicken wings in a peppery hot sauce is a development typically attributed to a Buffalo institution called Anchor Bar. The legend goes that in 1964, bar owner Teressa Bellissimo cooked some leftover chicken wings in hot sauce to serve to her son and his friends. This late-night snack was an instant hit, and Teressa’s son soon partnered with Dick Winger, who produced the hot sauce that the bar used for their wings. The two promoted this new menu item, which then started popping up in bars and restaurants around the country.
National Attention in the ‘90s
Though Buffalo wings had gained popularity over the years, it wasn’t until the 1990s that they became a true hit. During this time, McDonalds, KFC, and Dominos all added Buffalo wings to their menus. Suddenly, hot wings were everywhere.
Wings and Football Create a Perfect Match
Today, hot wings are almost synonymous with football season, and they are one of the most popular game day snacks around. This is no coincidence. Because Buffalo wings are so salty and spicy, they pair perfectly with refreshing pints of beer, so bars often boast wing specials on Sundays during football season.
When you’ve got a craving for Buffalo wings, head to Rumors Sports Bar in Grand Forks, ND. They offer a full menu of pub food favorites, along with their famous beer tower. Make them your destination to watch the next big game, or call (701) 772-5222 to learn more about their menu.
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