Buffalo Wild Wings Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buffalo Wild Wings has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, brand operations, and franchise management.

Driven by a commitment to culinary excellence, Buffalo Wild Wings focuses on delivering a vibrant sports-bar atmosphere centered around its signature chicken wings, fostering community engagement and driving market leadership in the casual dining sector.

Leadership Roles at Buffalo Wild Wings

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Sally Smith
  • President (BWW GO) - Leandro Gasparin
  • President - Tristan Meline
  • President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee - Larry Podlogar
  • President, Brand - John Bowie
  • Sally Smith - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Sally Smith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Buffalo Wild Wings, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Smith guides the company's expansion initiatives, ensuring alignment with market demands for its signature Buffalo-style chicken wings and other menu items. This leadership role involves optimizing the restaurant chain's performance across all locations, focusing on enhancing the guest experience and driving profitability. Smith oversees the integration of new technologies and operational efficiencies to maintain Buffalo Wild Wings' competitive edge in the casual dining industry. The focus remains on delivering made-to-order wings and a dynamic sports-bar atmosphere. Sally Smith's strategic vision shapes the brand's direction, impacting its market presence and financial growth.
    Sally Smith

    Leandro Gasparin - President (BWW GO)

    Leandro Gasparin, the President (BWW GO) at Buffalo Wild Wings, spearheads the development and expansion of the brand's off-premise dining solutions. Gasparin architects strategies for the BWW GO initiative, focusing on digital ordering, delivery, and takeout services to meet evolving consumer preferences. This leadership position involves optimizing the operational flow for these channels, ensuring seamless integration with existing restaurant infrastructure. The objective is to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers seeking Buffalo Wild Wings' signature chicken wings and other menu favorites outside traditional dine-in settings. Leandro Gasparin's efforts are critical in capturing new market segments and driving revenue growth through innovative service models. The focus is on expanding the brand's reach and reinforcing its position in the competitive casual dining landscape.
    Leandro Gasparin

    Tristan Meline - President

    Tristan Meline, the President at Buffalo Wild Wings, directs critical operational functions that support the brand's extensive restaurant network. Meline focuses on enhancing the efficiency and consistency of the guest experience across all locations, ensuring the delivery of made-to-order Buffalo-style chicken wings and other signature items. This role involves overseeing supply chain logistics, operational standards, and in-restaurant execution to maintain high levels of quality and service. Tristan Meline's leadership contributes to optimizing the day-to-day operations, driving improvements in food preparation, service delivery, and overall restaurant performance. The objective is to strengthen Buffalo Wild Wings' market position by ensuring operational excellence and a superior dining experience for patrons.
    Tristan Meline

    Larry Podlogar - President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee

    Larry Podlogar, the President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee at Buffalo Wild Wings, leads strategic initiatives for franchise operations and management. Podlogar focuses on supporting and expanding the franchisee network, ensuring adherence to brand standards and driving profitable growth across franchised locations. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with franchisees, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to operate successful Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants. Larry Podlogar's expertise is crucial in navigating the complexities of franchise agreements and operational support, contributing to the brand's widespread market penetration. The emphasis is on empowering franchisees to deliver the signature Buffalo Wild Wings experience, centered on quality wings and a vibrant sports-bar atmosphere.

    John Bowie - President, Brand

    John Bowie, the President, Brand at Buffalo Wild Wings, shapes and directs the brand's overall identity and market positioning. Bowie oversees marketing strategies, brand communications, and consumer engagement initiatives designed to enhance the appeal of Buffalo Wild Wings' unique sports-bar concept and signature chicken wings. This leadership position involves developing creative campaigns that resonate with target audiences and reinforce the brand's connection to sports culture and community. John Bowie's strategic direction ensures that the brand narrative remains compelling and relevant, driving customer loyalty and attracting new patrons. The focus is on amplifying the brand's presence and solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for wings and sports entertainment.
    John Bowie

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Buffalo Wild Wings Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Buffalo Wild Wings?
    Buffalo Wild Wings is led by Sally Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Leandro Gasparin (President (BWW GO)) and Tristan Meline (President).
    Who is part of Buffalo Wild Wings’s executive team?
    The executive team of Buffalo Wild Wings includes leaders such as Sally Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer), Leandro Gasparin (President (BWW GO)), Tristan Meline (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Buffalo Wild Wings have?
    Buffalo Wild Wings has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Buffalo Wild Wings’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Buffalo Wild Wings includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President (BWW GO), President, President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee, President, Brand.