Judge Dismisses Buffalo Wild Wings Lawsuit Citing Lack of Substance

A U.S. federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesday, which claimed that the popular restaurant and sports bar chain misled consumers by selling boneless wings that are not actually de-boned chicken wings.

Judge John Tharp Jr. in Chicago ruled against the proposed class action lawsuit filed in 2023 by Aimen Halim, who argued that he was deceived into purchasing the controversial menu item, which is essentially a chicken nugget.

In his ruling, Tharp stated, “Halim sued (Buffalo Wild Wings) over his confusion, but his complaint has no meat on its bones.” He further noted, “Despite his best efforts, Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim.”

Halim’s allegations centered around the marketing and advertising of “boneless wings,” which he claimed were misleading and violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, among other legal claims.

Judge Tharp emphasized that reasonable consumers are not misled into believing that boneless wings are made from actual wing meat. He pointed out, “If Halim is right, reasonable consumers should think that cauliflower wings are made (at least in part) from wing meat. They don’t, though.”

While the judge granted Buffalo Wild Wings’ request to dismiss the case, he also provided Halim with an opportunity to amend his lawsuit. Halim has until March 20 to present any additional facts that could support his claims and allow the case to proceed.

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Lawsuits
Legislation

A U.S. federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesday, which claimed that the popular restaurant and sports bar chain misled consumers by selling boneless wings that are not actually de-boned chicken wings.

Judge John Tharp Jr. in Chicago ruled against the proposed class action lawsuit filed in 2023 by Aimen Halim, who argued that he was deceived into purchasing the controversial menu item, which is essentially a chicken nugget.

In his ruling, Tharp stated, “Halim sued (Buffalo Wild Wings) over his confusion, but his complaint has no meat on its bones.” He further noted, “Despite his best efforts, Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim.”

Halim’s allegations centered around the marketing and advertising of “boneless wings,” which he claimed were misleading and violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, among other legal claims.

Judge Tharp emphasized that reasonable consumers are not misled into believing that boneless wings are made from actual wing meat. He pointed out, “If Halim is right, reasonable consumers should think that cauliflower wings are made (at least in part) from wing meat. They don’t, though.”

While the judge granted Buffalo Wild Wings’ request to dismiss the case, he also provided Halim with an opportunity to amend his lawsuit. Halim has until March 20 to present any additional facts that could support his claims and allow the case to proceed.

Topics
Lawsuits
Legislation