Buffalo Wild Wings(R) CEO Named IFMA Gold Plate Award Winner

Buffalo Wild Wings(R) CEO Named IFMA Gold Plate Award Winner

Sally Smith takes home coveted top honors among nine Silver Plate winners

Minneapolis--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Buffalo Wild Wings®, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWLD), today announced that Sally J. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, was recognized by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association with the prestigious Gold Plate Award, selected from among the nine 2009 Silver Plate recipients, for outstanding and innovative talent in foodservice operation.

"I am extremely honored to have been chosen as the recipient of this award, particularly from the pool of such accomplished industry leaders and Silver Plate winners," commented Sally Smith, President and Chief Executive officer of Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. "I want to extend a special thank you to the IFMA, and my sincere thanks and congratulations to the entire Buffalo Wild Wings team who is responsible for the success and phenomenal growth of our company."

Ms. Smith joined Buffalo Wild Wings as Chief Financial Officer in 1994 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 1996. At that time, the company had less than 75 restaurants and through her leadership has grown it to nearly 600 locations across 40 states. During that time, Ms. Smith also developed the company's infrastructure, creating comprehensive Finance, Marketing and Human Resources departments, and aligned the franchise system so that all Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants represented a consistent brand focused on creating a unique guest experience. Her commitment to Buffalo Wild Wing's success continues to provide shareholder value, and for the first time last year the company achieved over $1 billion in sales.

Sally has been an active board member of the National Restaurant Association since 1996, and currently serves as Treasurer. She was recently named one of the "Top 40 to Watch" by Finance & Commerce magazine.

Ms. Smith was first awarded industry honors in the Chain Full-Service category of the IFMA 2009 Silver Plate Awards before taking home the Gold Plate. She accepted the Gold Plate Award Monday night at the annual IFMA Chicago banquet.

About the Company

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., founded in 1982 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a growing owner, operator and franchisor of restaurants featuring a variety of boldly-flavored, made-to-order menu items including Buffalo-style chicken wings spun in one of 14 signature sauces. Buffalo Wild Wings is an inviting neighborhood destination with widespread appeal and is the recipient of dozens of "Best Wings" and "Best Sports Bar" awards from across the country. There are currently almost 600 Buffalo Wild Wings locations across 40 states.

Source: Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.

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