If you're excited about the opening of the in Manchester next Monday, owner Sarah Maggi Morin says you're probably not the only one. In fact, Morin said that she expects people to start camping out outside the restaurant the night before to be one of the first 100 customers through the door next Monday, as each of those first 100 customers will receive free wings for an entire year.
Morin, the owner of the franchise who also opened the Windsor Buffalo Wild Wings location in 2007, said that the "free wings for a year" giveaway for the first 100 customers has been a tradition that the popular sports bar chain has included as part of its openings for years.
"It's great good will," Morin said. "We're psyched to be here. it gives us an opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community."
When Buffalo Wild Wings opens its doors at 11 a.m. Monday at 90 Buckland St. it will feature seating for 298 customers indoors, an outdoor patio that can accommodate another 44 more, 50 screens to catch all the games - including the largest at 30 feet - 30 beers on tap and an eclectic menu.
But Morin also stressed that although Buffalo Wild Wings is a national - and international chain - what will set the Manchester location apart is her commitment to the local community, which will include a "community board" by the entrance where customers can post events and promotions in the Manchester area.
"Community commitment is huge, and it's one of the things that keeps us from being just that 'large sports bar chain,' Morin said. "I'm the franchisee. I'm the owner. There's just me. There's no 'up the chain' here."
Morin said that she is probably most proud of the fact that the new restaurant will bring about 120 jobs to the Manchester area.
"I'm really proud of that," she said. "Probably the best thing I can do is create jobs for the community."
Morin stressed that if you hope to be one of the first 100 customers on Monday to receive "free wings for a year" - limited to one order per customer per week - then you had better plan to get there well before 10 a.m. Monday morning. In fact, she said, she expects people to start camping outside the restaurant the night before.
"For some people, the opening of a Buffalo Wild Wings is like a pilgrimage," Morin said. "They literally travel for it."
For those interested in jobs at the new Manchester location, Morin said applications can be filled out and submitted at jointeambww.com.
