A federal judge in Illinois has dismissed a consumer lawsuit accusing Buffalo Wild Wings of misleading customers by marketing its popular menu item as “boneless wings,” ruling that the term is widely understood and not deceptive.
The case was brought by Chicago resident Aimen Halim, who argued that the restaurant chain’s use of the phrase misleads customers into believing the product is made from de-boned chicken wing meat rather than chicken breast. Halim said he purchased the item under that assumption and would not have done so had he known otherwise.
In his complaint, Halim accused the company of “the false and deceptive marketing and advertising of Buffalo Wild Wings’ Boneless Wings,” asserting that “Specifically, the name and description of the Products (i.e., as ‘Boneless Wings’) leads reasonable consumers to believe the Products are actually chicken wings.”
U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr. rejected that argument in a ruling issued Tuesday, concluding that the terminology does not rise to the level of consumer deception under the law.
“Boneless wings are not a niche product for which a consumer would need to do extensive research to figure out the truth. Instead, ‘boneless wings’ is a common term that has existed for over two decades,” Tharp wrote.
The judge further ruled that while Halim had standing to sue based on an alleged economic injury, he failed to show that a reasonable consumer would be misled by the menu description.
“Despite his best efforts, Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim. Though he has standing to bring the claim because he plausibly alleged economic injury, he does not plausibly allege that reasonable consumers are fooled by BWW’s use of the term ‘boneless wings.’”
Buffalo Wild Wings had previously addressed the lawsuit publicly in a 2023 social media post, responding with sarcasm to the allegations. “It’s true. Our boneless wings are all white meat chicken. Our hamburgers contain no ham. Our buffalo wings are 0% buffalo,” the company said.
Although the lawsuit was dismissed, the court allowed Halim an opportunity to amend and refile his complaint.
“Accordingly, although it is difficult to imagine that Halim can provide additional facts about his experience that would demonstrate that BWW is committing a deceptive act by calling its nuggets ‘boneless wings,’ but the Court will give him leave to try. Any amended complaint is due by March 20, 2026,” the ruling states.
Buffalo Wild Wings marked the legal victory online days later, doubling down on its branding. “They’re called boneless wings and will forever be called boneless wings,” the company tweeted.
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