Buffalo Wild Wings Military Discount: What Most People Get Wrong

Buffalo Wild Wings Military Discount: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re sitting there, craving a mountain of Caribbean Jerk wings, and you start wondering if your service record might shave a few bucks off that bill. It’s a fair question. Honestly, the answer to does Buffalo Wild Wings have military discount isn't a simple yes or no—it’s more like a "mostly, but it depends on who owns the building."

Here is the deal. Buffalo Wild Wings operates as a franchise model. This means that while the corporate office in Atlanta (owned by Inspire Brands) sets the vibe, the actual owner of your local spot might be a local business group or a private investor. Because of this, military discounts are often left up to the discretion of the individual manager or franchise owner.

The Reality of the Buffalo Wild Wings Military Discount

Most locations across the United States typically offer a 10% discount for active-duty service members and veterans. You’ve probably seen this mentioned on various military benefit sites, but there’s a catch. Since it isn't a "hard-coded" corporate mandate that applies to every single one of the 1,200+ locations, you might run into a spot that doesn't participate.

It’s kinda annoying, I know. You walk into one B-Dubs in San Diego and get the discount no questions asked, but then you head to a location in a different state and they look at you like you're speaking a foreign language.

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How to actually get the 10% off

If your local spot does participate, you can’t just "tell" them you’re in the military. You need proof. Most servers are cool, but they have to follow protocol to hit that discount button in the POS system. Generally, you’ll need one of these:

  • A valid Military ID card (Active, Reserve, or Retired).
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare ID.
  • A driver’s license with that little "Veteran" designation on it.
  • A DD-214 (though carrying a full-sized paper document to a sports bar is a bit much).

Basically, just have your ID ready when you ask for the check. Don't wait until the card has already been swiped; it’s much harder for the server to go back and fix it after the transaction is processed.

The "Wings for Heroes" Annual Tradition

While the year-round discount can be hit or miss, Veterans Day is a completely different story. Every November 11th, Buffalo Wild Wings goes all out. In 2025, they continued their long-standing "Wings for Heroes" promotion.

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This is usually a free order of 10 boneless wings and a side of fries. It’s specifically for veterans and active-duty members. You usually have to dine-in to get it, though some "Buffalo Wild Wings GO" locations (the smaller takeout-only spots) have started allowing walk-in orders for this deal. You can't order this through DoorDash or Uber Eats and expect it to be free—the "proof of service" requirement means you’ve gotta be there in person.

Why You Won't Find This Discount Online

If you’re trying to use a military discount on the Buffalo Wild Wings app or website, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Currently, their online ordering system doesn't have a built-in verification tool like ID.me or SheerID.

This is a major pain for anyone who prefers to order ahead. If you want the discount, your best bet is to call the order in and ask if they can apply it when you pay at the counter, or just stick to dining in.

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Pro Tips for Maximum Savings

Look, a 10% discount is nice, but it isn't the only way to save. If you’re a regular, you should be stacking your military status with their rewards program, Blazin’ Rewards.

You earn points for every dollar spent. Sometimes they have "Double Points" days. If you’re there on a Tuesday or Thursday, you can often combine your military discount (at participating locations) with their BOGO wing deals. Imagine getting 10% off an already half-priced order of wings. That’s the dream.

Also, keep an eye on the fine print. Most of the time, the military discount won't apply to alcohol. Local laws and corporate policies are pretty strict about discounting booze, so expect to pay full price for that tall Hazy IPA.

Actionable Next Steps

  1. Call ahead: Before you head out, give your local B-Dubs a quick ring. Ask, "Hey, do you guys offer a 10% military discount?" It takes ten seconds and saves you the awkwardness at the table.
  2. Keep a digital backup: If you don't like carrying your military ID, take a clear photo of your VA card or DD-214 and keep it in a locked folder on your phone. Most managers will accept a digital version if you're in a pinch.
  3. Join Blazin’ Rewards: Sign up for the app before you go. It’s free, and you can stack those points on top of your military savings for future freebies.
  4. Check for "GO" locations: If you're in a hurry, remember that the smaller "GO" storefronts often follow the same discount rules as the full-service restaurants, but it’s always worth a double-check.