Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit Over Misleading ‘Boneless Wings’ Labeling
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A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged Buffalo Wild Wings’ (BWW) use of the term “boneless wings.” The lawsuit was initiated by a customer who claimed that the name misled him into believing the dish was made from actual chicken wings with the bones removed.
In a lighthearted opinion filled with poultry puns, U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr. stated that the plaintiff’s complaint had “no meat on its bones” and failed to demonstrate that reasonable consumers were deceived by the term. The judge compared “boneless wings” to other well-known food nicknames, referencing a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling that indicated diners do not expect “chicken fingers” to be made from actual fingers.
The lawsuit, filed by Aimen Halim, argued that BWW’s boneless wings are essentially chicken nuggets made from breast meat. Halim contended that the name is misleading, as it suggests that the dish contains deboned wing meat.
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BBQ wings (front) and medium traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings in Arlington, Va., on Nov. 28, 2017. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Halim’s lawsuit alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, breach of express warranty, common law fraud, and unjust enrichment. He sought to initiate a nationwide class action, claiming that had he known the true nature of the product, he would have either paid less or opted not to purchase it at all.
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The Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Superior, Colo., on July 26, 2017. (Rick Wilking/Reuters / Reuters)
Ultimately, the court determined that the term “boneless wing” is a “fanciful name,” asserting that no reasonable consumer would believe they were actually consuming deboned chicken wings “reconstituted into some sort of Franken-wing.” Judge Tharp Jr. remarked, “Despite his best efforts, Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim,” in his 10-page ruling.
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Buffalo Wild Wings during the Variety Power Of Comedy event in Austin, Texas, on March 10, 2023. (Mat Hayward/Variety via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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While the court acknowledged that Halim had standing to sue due to his claims of economic harm, it dismissed the allegations for lacking sufficient evidence of deception. The judge granted Halim until March 20 to file an amended complaint, although he expressed skepticism that any “additional facts” could be introduced to support the claim.
Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged Buffalo Wild Wings’ (BWW) use of the term “boneless wings.” The lawsuit was initiated by a customer who claimed that the name misled him into believing the dish was made from actual chicken wings with the bones removed.
In a lighthearted opinion filled with poultry puns, U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr. stated that the plaintiff’s complaint had “no meat on its bones” and failed to demonstrate that reasonable consumers were deceived by the term. The judge compared “boneless wings” to other well-known food nicknames, referencing a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling that indicated diners do not expect “chicken fingers” to be made from actual fingers.
The lawsuit, filed by Aimen Halim, argued that BWW’s boneless wings are essentially chicken nuggets made from breast meat. Halim contended that the name is misleading, as it suggests that the dish contains deboned wing meat.
2026 SUPER BOWL FOOD DEALS: WHERE TO FIND THE BEST GAME-DAY SAVINGS
BBQ wings (front) and medium traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings in Arlington, Va., on Nov. 28, 2017. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Halim’s lawsuit alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, breach of express warranty, common law fraud, and unjust enrichment. He sought to initiate a nationwide class action, claiming that had he known the true nature of the product, he would have either paid less or opted not to purchase it at all.
CHICKEN WING CHAMPS FOR SUPER BOWL: AMERICANS TO SET CONSUMPTION RECORD DURING SUNDAY’S GAME
The Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Superior, Colo., on July 26, 2017. (Rick Wilking/Reuters / Reuters)
Ultimately, the court determined that the term “boneless wing” is a “fanciful name,” asserting that no reasonable consumer would believe they were actually consuming deboned chicken wings “reconstituted into some sort of Franken-wing.” Judge Tharp Jr. remarked, “Despite his best efforts, Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim,” in his 10-page ruling.
FOOD PYRAMID BACKLASH: LOW-FAT ERA MAY HAVE FUELED OBESITY, DIABETES, SAYS DOCTOR
Buffalo Wild Wings during the Variety Power Of Comedy event in Austin, Texas, on March 10, 2023. (Mat Hayward/Variety via Getty Images / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
While the court acknowledged that Halim had standing to sue due to his claims of economic harm, it dismissed the allegations for lacking sufficient evidence of deception. The judge granted Halim until March 20 to file an amended complaint, although he expressed skepticism that any “additional facts” could be introduced to support the claim.
