Buffalo Wild Wings CEO Sees a Spicier Menu, More Competition for Workers

Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) is fresh off serving up a solid second quarter for investors to chew on. And, through the first four weeks of the third quarter, same-restaurant sales at company operated restaurants were up 4.8%. At franchise locations, same-restaurant sales gained 2%. The momentum in Buffalo Wild Wings’ business in the second quarter, and into July, was confronted by significant volatility in the stock market in August. So far, it doesn’t appear wing fans have stopped visiting the restaurant chain in light of hits to their 401k and stock trading accounts. ‘I think the consumer is certainly affected by what happens in the stock market, but that usually happens when they get their 401k statement at the end of the quarter,’ pointed out Buffalo Wild Wings president and CEO Sally J. Smith in an interview with TheStreet. According to Smith, low gas prices and an improving employment market are key factors likely to contribute to further sales strength for Buffalo Wild Wings. But, to service those customers while continuing to open up new restaurants, Buffalo Wild Wings needs more workers. Those workers are becoming increasingly scarce. TheStreet's Brian Sozzi reports from New York.