Richland County’s citizens have become accustomed to Buffalo Wild Wings’ location in Ontario on West Fourth Street. Since April of 2002, the franchise has set up camp at this spot. However, the times are changing, and “B-Dubs” plans on keeping up.
According to Franchise Owner Ken Brown, “Lex-Springmill is in a great position for a growing market. We’re looking at growth in the area and that seems like the place to be.”
The restaurant’s new location is currently being constructed next to the newly renovated Dunham’s in Ontario, which is also behind Ontario’s Aldi off Lexington-Springmill Road. Brown noted the new, free-standing building’s ample parking space, which will include designated take-out parking spaces.
Brown called this building a “generation-four store,” comparing it with the current “generation-three store” on West Fourth Street. The new location will be updated with current televisions and state of the art sound equipment. The inside of the building will also feature different wall coverings and different colors for the furniture and carpet. The building is 750 square feet larger than its predecessor.
“This space is going to be more efficient,” noted Brown.
More space calls for more chairs and tables, exactly 233 indoor seating. The new building will also feature an outdoor patio space, which will add 24 more seats, bringing the grand total to 257. The existing restaurant has under 200 seats, said Brown.
When the building opens for business, projected to be the end of October or early November, the entire staff will be transferred. The company also plans on hiring an additional 20 to 25 new employees.
So what will replace the existing building?
According to the owner, Shawn Parker, a “cantina”-style restaurant will replace Buffalo Wild Wings. He said he cannot release specifics yet, but the company plans to move in during next year’s first quarter. He also said the company owns six chains in Northeast Ohio.
“We want to have something in there as soon as possible so we can influence this economy in a good way,” said Parker.
