Phil Castle, The Business Times

Mitchell Mazzuca points out the changes at Buffalo Wild Wings in Grand Junction.

The exterior features new signs, new awnings and a new black and gray paint scheme.

More changes appear inside, among them new furniture and new televisions. That’s 53 new TVs to be exact, including one with a gaping, 98-inch display. A wall was removed to open up the dining room and the bathrooms updated.

Then there’s the giant image of a buffalo head — a bison, actually — made with hundreds of golf balls.

So, is Mazzuca, the general manager of the restaurant and sports bar, pleased with the renovations?

“I am,” he says. “Definitely.”

The $400,000 project refreshed the appearance of the restaurant and bar that opened nearly 10 years ago in a building that previously housed Smuggler’s Brewpub and, before that, a Krispy Kreme franchise.

“It’s more of a fresh, modern look now,” says Mazzuca, who’s worked as GM at the location for seven years.

The renovations also add to the attractions he says bring in customers. The Buffalo-style chicken wings, to be sure. But also the friendly and festive atmosphere, especially during big games.  “It’s not just one thing. It’s all those things combined.”

The project was completed in mid-June after less than two weeks of work, Mazzuca says. 

Most of the work occurred between midnight and 10 a.m. so the restaurant and bar could remain open.

With about 5,500 square feet of space as well as a patio, Buffalo Wild Wings can seat up to 375 people.

Founded in 1982, Buffalo Wild Wings has grown into one of the largest sports bar brands in the United States. Part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, Buffalo Wild Wings operates a total of more than 1,200 restaurants in 10 countries.

Not counting 2020 and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, the Grand Junction location has performed well over the years, Mazzuca says. 

Sales were up on a year-over-year basis 13 percent in 2019 and 42 percent in 2021 after bouncing back from the pandemic, he says. Sales are up 23 percent so far in 2022, he says.

Mazzuca attributes part of that success to marketing and partnerships in which the operation participates. Buffalo Wild Wings joins in fund-raises for a variety of local sports teams. 

Buffalo Wild Wings also offers an appreciation program for teachers working for Mesa County School District 51, he says.

With a variety of traditional and boneless wings as well as burgers, sandwiches and salads on the menu, the fare attracts customers, he says.

But so does the friendly and fun atmosphere, he says.

That’s especially evident during big sports events — the recent Stanley Cup Finals, for example, in which the Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

“People know they can come in here and have a good time,” Mazzuca says.