<P> Expecting more growth in 1995, BW3 designed a new prototype free - standing outlet with clear separation between the bar and dining areas and seating 190 in a 5,000 - to 7,500 - square - foot space . This was a shift in strategy from a college sports - bar to casual dining . The company looked closer at new franchisees' qualifications . Existing franchisees were encouraged to add more locations while more corporate locations were planned . At that time, there were 48 locations with 12 corporate owned . </P> <P> Smith was promoted to president and CEO in August 1996, while Disbrow became chairman of the board . At the end of the year, 27 new locations were opened . An initial public stock offering was considered in 1998, but discarded given unfavorable market conditions . After using different name variations, bw - 3 and Buffalo Wild Wings, in different markets in its first national ad campaign market; the decision was made to standardize the name through out the system with the latter name . The company moved to increase home sales of their sauces by upgrading the packaging . </P> <P> The 100th location opened in October 1999 in Apple Valley, Minnesota a short drive from its corporate headquarters . At the time, there were 23 company owned restaurants . Three venture capital firms and other purchased a majority stake, $8.5 million in shares, available in a December 1999 private placement . The funding was planned to fund expansion with expectation to have 260 sites by late 2003 . The company tested new several sauces in 2000 but only added two to the menu with its first dessert . In 2000, the chain, now calling its locations, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, was in 19 states and 140 locations (at year end) with one finally it the city of its signature menu item, Buffalo, New York . </P> <P> System - wide revenue were $150 million in 2001 with same - stores averaged growth of 8 percent per year . The company began pushing takeout sales . In late 2001, the company signed on Frito - Lay to its plans for branded potato chips to the retail market . </P>

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