Buffalo Wild Wings Coming to Farmington Hills

With very little discussion, and quite a bit of enthusiasm, Farmington Hills city council members helped pave the way Monday for the opening of a new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. 

Franchisee Kent Ward of Rochester Hills-based Wings Twenty-Five, Inc. said the restaurant has a target opening date of October 26, in the Hunter's Square shopping center space at 14 Mile and Orchard Lake Road, formerly occupied by Max & Erma's. That restaurant closed in May. 

Officials approved the transfer of a liquor license with Sunday afternoon/evening and outdoor service still held by the former restaurant's owners, as well as new entertainment and Sunday morning service permits. City council member Nancy Bates said she was particularly impressed by the restaurant's "Responsible Alcohol Service" training and program, which includes company compliance checks, manuals and required employee tests to prevent serving underaged drinkers. 

Unfortunately, Ward said, the company has been cited by the Liquor Control Commission. Records provided with the application show two instances of serving underage patrons, one in 2011 and one in 2012. Both locations passed compliance checks the following year. 

While the company does everything possible to prevent violations, Ward said, "there is still room for human error." 

Wings Twenty Five, Inc.'s parent company JK T Wings, Inc., operates more than 30 restaurants, in Michigan, Louisiana and Massachusetts.