You're standing outside, looking at those yellow neon wings, wondering if you're actually old enough to step behind the counter. Maybe you need cash for a car. Or maybe you just want to be around sports all day.
Getting a job at "B-Dubs" isn't just about liking wings. It's about timing.
The Short Answer for the Impatient
Most Buffalo Wild Wings locations hire at 16 years old.
That's the baseline. If you're 16, you can usually snag a job as a host, a cashier, or a "Greeter" in company lingo. You might even find yourself in the kitchen as a prep cook or dishwasher.
But wait. There is a catch.
Since many locations are owned by independent franchisees, they sometimes set their own rules. While the corporate handbook generally points to 16, some owners might stick to a 17 or 18+ policy depending on how rowdy their specific location gets or what the local labor laws look like.
Why 16 is Usually the Magic Number
Honestly, the restaurant industry lives and breathes on teenage labor. Buffalo Wild Wings is no different.
At 16, you're legally allowed to do most things in a kitchen, provided you aren't operating "hazardous" machinery. In the world of wings, that mostly means staying away from the heavy-duty industrial slicers or certain high-pressure equipment, though most 16-year-olds handle fryers and ovens just fine.
The Roles You Can Land at 16
- Greeter/Host: You're the face of the place. You handle the seating charts and the "How long is the wait?" questions.
- Cashier: Specifically for those "BWW GO" locations or the takeout counter. You need decent math skills and a thick skin for when the orders are running late.
- Kitchen Team Member: This is where the hustle happens. You're plating wings, dropping baskets into the fryer, and keeping the line moving during the Super Bowl rush.
- Janitorial/Dishwasher: It’s gritty. It’s wet. But it’s a foot in the door.
When You Definitely Need to be 18 (or 21)
The "Sports Bar" part of Buffalo Wild Wings complicates things.
Alcohol.
If you want to be a server, you're going to hit a wall in many states if you're under 18. Some states allow 16-year-olds to bring a closed beer to a table, but many require you to be 18 to even touch a glass of IPA.
Then there's the bar. To be a Bartender, you almost always have to be 21.
I've seen a few rare instances in states like Maine or Arizona where 18-year-olds can technically tend bar, but most Buffalo Wild Wings managers won't risk it. They want someone who can legally taste the cocktail they just mixed if there's a quality issue.
Management is another story. You aren't getting a shift lead or assistant manager role until you're at least 18, and usually, they want you to be 21 so you can handle the liquor inventory and the late-night "we're closing the bar" confrontations.
Laws That Might Mess Up Your Plans
Child labor laws are no joke. Even if the manager likes you, the government might say no.
In states like California or New York, if you're under 18, you usually need a work permit from your school. These permits often limit how late you can work. If Buffalo Wild Wings is staying open until midnight for a West Coast game, and your permit says you have to be home by 10 PM, the manager might skip your application for someone older.
Also, look at your local "Alcohol Server" certifications. Some states require a TABC (Texas) or LEAD (California) certificate. If the law says you must be 18 to get the certificate, you aren't serving wings and beer until that 18th birthday hits.
The Franchisee Factor
This is the part most people forget.
Buffalo Wild Wings is owned by Inspire Brands, but a huge chunk of the stores are franchises. This means Joe Smith might own five locations in Ohio. Joe Smith can decide he doesn't want the headache of managing school permits and decide his personal minimum age is 17.
What should you do? Don't just trust the website. Walk in. Ask for the manager during a "slow" time (usually 2 PM to 4 PM on a Tuesday). Ask them directly: "Hey, do you hire at 16 here, or do I need to be 18?"
They'll appreciate the initiative. It shows "Hustle," which is one of their core values anyway.
Tips for Getting Hired When You're Young
If you're 16 and this is your first job, you don't have a resume. That's okay.
Focus on your availability. If you can work every Friday and Saturday night during the college football season, you are gold. Reliability is worth more than experience in a high-volume wing joint.
Also, mention if you play sports. BWW loves the "athlete" mentality. They talk a lot about "Sportsmanship" and "The Heart of a Competitor." Use those words. It sounds cheesy, but it works because it's baked into their corporate culture.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Check your ID: If you're 16, you're likely good for support roles. If you're 18, the world of serving opens up.
- Verify your state's alcohol laws: Look up "minimum age to serve alcohol" in your specific state so you know which roles to apply for.
- Get your paperwork ready: If you’re under 18, find out where your school’s guidance office keeps the work permits.
- Apply online first: Use the official careers page, but follow up in person.
- Prep for the "Pressure" question: They will ask how you handle stress. Tell them about a time you had to move fast and stay organized.
Being part of the "Go-Crew" or the kitchen team is a grind, but it's one of the faster-paced ways to make a paycheck. Just make sure you're old enough to handle the heat before you apply.