1. Introduction
Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but if you’re aiming to work at a dynamic restaurant like Buffalo Wild Wings, you’ll want to be ready for the kinds of questions they may ask. This article dives into typical buffalo wild wings interview questions and offers insights on how to respond effectively, showcasing your strengths and fit for the role in the food service industry.
2. Navigating Buffalo Wild Wings Interviews
Buffalo Wild Wings, affectionately known as B-Dubs by its fan base, is a renowned sports bar and restaurant chain known for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive wing flavors, and community engagement. Securing a job here means becoming part of a team that values customer experience, lively entertainment, and a passion for food. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous experience in the industry, explain their enthusiasm for the brand, and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a high-energy environment. Whether you are interviewing for a role as a server, cook, or manager, understanding the company’s culture and expectations can significantly raise your chances of acing the interview.
3. Buffalo Wild Wings Interview Questions
1. Can you describe your previous experience in the food service or hospitality industry? (Experience & Background)
How to Answer:
When answering this question, it is important to be concise and focused on relevant experience. Highlight roles that are directly applicable to the position you are applying for at Buffalo Wild Wings, such as experience in customer service, kitchen work, or management within the foodservice or hospitality industries. If you have any achievements or received recognition in your previous roles, this is a good time to mention them.
My Answer:
Certainly! I have worked in the food service industry for the past three years, primarily as a server at a busy downtown restaurant. During this time, I honed my skills in customer service, multitasking, and time management. I was recognized as Employee of the Month twice for my dedication and was also given the responsibility to train new staff members due to my comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations.
2. Why do you want to work at Buffalo Wild Wings? (Company Interest & Fit)
How to Answer:
Express genuine interest in the company and the specific reasons that attracted you to the position. Research Buffalo Wild Wings’ values, culture, and any recent news or initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the company. Explain how your skills and aspirations align with the company’s goals.
My Answer:
I’m eager to join Buffalo Wild Wings because it’s a brand that values a fun and energetic dining experience, which aligns with my passion for creating enjoyable moments for guests. I admire Buffalo Wild Wings’ commitment to community involvement and its dedication to providing a great work environment for its employees. Additionally, I see this as a fantastic opportunity to grow with a company that’s known for recognizing and rewarding hard work and talent.
3. How would you deal with a difficult customer who is unsatisfied with their meal? (Customer Service & Problem Solving)
How to Answer:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, and show that you are capable of handling difficult situations professionally and empathetically. Emphasize active listening, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
My Answer:
In an instance where a customer is unsatisfied with their meal, I would first listen to their concerns without interruption. I believe that acknowledging the issue and showing empathy is the first step in resolving the situation. I would then apologize for any inconvenience and offer solutions such as replacing the meal or providing a discount, depending on the company’s policies. Lastly, I would ensure that the rest of their experience goes smoothly and check back to make sure they are satisfied with the resolution.
4. Can you tell me about a time when you had to work in a fast-paced environment and how you managed it? (Work Ethic & Stress Management)
How to Answer:
Discuss a specific situation where you successfully navigated a high-pressure environment. Mention any strategies you employed to maintain efficiency and accuracy in your work, and how you supported your team.
My Answer:
At my previous job, we had a day where the restaurant was short-staffed, and we simultaneously hosted a large event. I managed the resulting fast-paced environment by prioritizing tasks and communicating frequently with my colleagues to ensure all areas were covered. I stayed calm, focused on delivering excellent service, and made sure to delegate tasks when appropriate. Despite the pressure, we received positive feedback from guests about the great service, which was a testament to our teamwork and stress management.
5. How knowledgeable are you about the different types of sauces and flavors we offer, and how would you sell them to a customer? (Product Knowledge & Sales Skills)
How to Answer:
Display your understanding of the product and your ability to be persuasive while catering to the customer’s interests. If you are familiar with the sauces, describe them enticingly. If not, explain how you would learn about them and suggest how you would sell the product.
My Answer:
While I am still learning about all the unique sauces and flavors Buffalo Wild Wings offers, I am familiar with several fan favorites like the Spicy Garlic, Mango Habanero, and Honey BBQ. I would sell them to a customer by asking about their flavor preferences and recommending sauces based on their taste—whether they prefer something classic, spicy, sweet, or adventurous.
| Sauce | Heat Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mango Habanero | Hot | Sweet and spicy with a fruity mango kick. |
| Spicy Garlic | Medium | A bold blend of garlic and spices with heat. |
| Honey BBQ | Mild | Sweet and smoky with a touch of honey. |
By providing options and describing the flavors vividly, I can guide customers to a sauce they’ll enjoy, ultimately enhancing their dining experience.
6. What strategies would you use to ensure that restaurant cleanliness and food safety standards are maintained? (Attention to Detail & Safety Compliance)
How to Answer:
When you’re asked about strategies for maintaining restaurant cleanliness and food safety, the interviewer is looking to assess your understanding of the importance of hygiene and your awareness of the procedures involved. They want to know how you would implement and monitor these procedures to ensure the establishment consistently meets the standards.
- Discuss specific practices that you would employ, such as regular cleaning schedules, staff training, and quality checks.
- Mention your understanding of industry standards, such as those set by the local health department or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
- Illustrate your answer with examples or experiences from past roles, if applicable.
- Highlight your attention to detail and proactive approach to problem-solving, as well as your ability to enforce rules and regulations among staff.
My Answer:
To ensure that restaurant cleanliness and food safety standards are maintained, I would use the following strategies:
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Regular Cleaning Schedules: Implement a strict cleaning schedule that outlines specific tasks to be completed at different times of the day, week, and month. This would include cleaning the kitchen after each meal service, sanitizing surfaces every few hours, and deep cleaning the entire restaurant on a weekly basis.
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Staff Training and Awareness: Conduct comprehensive training sessions for new hires and regular refresher courses for all staff members to reinforce the importance of food safety and hygiene. This includes proper handwashing techniques, correct food storage practices, and understanding the temperature requirements for food safety.
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Monitoring and Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of cleaning activities and food safety checks. This documentation helps in monitoring compliance and identifying areas that need improvement. Employ a checklist system to ensure no task is overlooked.
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Equipment Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance of kitchen equipment to ensure that everything is operating correctly and safely. This includes calibrating thermometers, servicing ovens, and checking refrigeration units.
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Quality Control Checks: Perform random and scheduled quality control checks to ensure that food quality and safety standards are consistently met. This helps to catch and address issues before they become significant problems.
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Clear Communication: Maintain clear lines of communication with the staff to address any concerns or issues they may encounter regarding cleanliness or food safety. Encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential hazards.
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Customer Feedback: Use customer feedback as a tool to improve cleanliness and food safety practices. Customers may notice things that staff do not, and their insights can be valuable in making improvements.
Here is a sample cleaning schedule table:
| Task | Frequency | Responsible Person | Notes/Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipe down tables | After each customer | Waitstaff | Use food-safe sanitizer |
| Clean kitchen stations | After each meal service | Kitchen Staff | Focus on cross-contamination points |
| Sanitize bathrooms | Every 2 hours | Janitorial Staff | Replenish soap and paper towels |
| Check food temperatures | Every 4 hours | Shift Manager | Log temperatures in safety chart |
| Sweep and mop floors | End of the day | Closing Staff | Pay attention to under tables |
| Deep clean kitchen | Weekly | Kitchen Team | Include equipment and storage areas |
| Inspect storage areas | Monthly | Manager | Check for proper food rotation |
By following these strategies and keeping detailed records, the restaurant can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and food safety, ensuring a safe dining experience for customers and a healthy working environment for staff.
4. Tips for Preparation
Before heading into your Buffalo Wild Wings interview, it’s crucial to do your homework. Research the company’s history, culture, and menu offerings to show genuine interest and knowledge about their business. For role-specific prep, focus on refining customer service skills, as this is vital in the hospitality industry. Brush up on food safety practices and think of examples from your past work experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle a fast-paced environment.
Additionally, practice speaking confidently about your ability to learn and sell different product offerings. If applying for a leadership role, be ready to discuss how you’ve managed teams and resolved conflicts in the past.
5. During & After the Interview
During the interview, aim to project enthusiasm for the role and align your answers with Buffalo Wild Wings’ values and job requirements. Pay attention to your body language—maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight to convey confidence.
Avoid common mistakes such as speaking negatively about previous employers or showing up unprepared. Be ready to ask insightful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company, such as inquiries about team dynamics or opportunities for growth.
After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the position. This can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrates good etiquette. Finally, be patient for feedback. The hiring process can take time, and following up respectfully after a week or two is appropriate if you haven’t heard back.