Tucson Jets Fan Overcomes Rivalry to Enjoy Anchor Bar's Buffalo Wings

Despite a lifelong hatred of the Buffalo Bills, a New York Jets supporter finds common ground over good food and sports at the new Tucson location of the iconic Anchor Bar.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A diehard New York Jets fan, Jamie Donnelly, overcame her longstanding rivalry with the Buffalo Bills to visit the new Tucson location of the legendary Anchor Bar, birthplace of the buffalo wing. Accompanied by a Bills-loving friend, Donnelly enjoyed the lively atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious wings, nachos, and cauliflower bites, ultimately realizing she had misjudged the establishment due to her sports allegiances.

Why it matters

The opening of the first Arizona location of Anchor Bar, a Buffalo institution since 1935, highlights the growing popularity of the city's food scene and its ability to bring together sports fans of all stripes, even longtime rivals, over a shared love of good food and camaraderie.

The details

Donnelly, a lifelong Jets fan, initially vowed never to step foot in Anchor Bar due to her disdain for the Bills and their star quarterback Josh Allen. However, she ultimately agreed to join her Bills-loving friend Cathy Burch for lunch at the new Tucson restaurant. Donnelly was impressed by the vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and the delicious buffalo wings, nachos, and cauliflower bites, ultimately realizing she had misjudged the establishment.

  • On Wednesday, Donnelly visited the new Anchor Bar location in Tucson.
  • Anchor Bar first opened in Buffalo, New York in 1935.

The players

Jamie Donnelly

A lifelong New York Jets fan who initially vowed not to visit the new Tucson location of Anchor Bar due to her rivalry with the Buffalo Bills.

Cathy Burch

A passionate Buffalo Bills fan who accompanied Donnelly to the new Anchor Bar location in Tucson.

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who Donnelly has long disliked due to her allegiance to the Jets.

Anchor Bar

A legendary Buffalo, New York institution that is known as the birthplace of the buffalo wing and has recently opened its first Arizona location in Tucson.

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What they’re saying

“I think Cathy would defend Josh Allen at all costs, especially when it comes to the Bills biggest nemesis Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.”

— Jamie Donnelly

“Dear Anchor Bar, I'm sorry for judging you. I like your bar and wings, but not your team. I can't wait to watch the Jets here when we play in next year's Super Bowl!”

— Jamie Donnelly

What’s next

Donnelly plans to return to Anchor Bar during the NFL season to watch the Jets play, despite her longstanding rivalry with the Bills.

The takeaway

This story highlights how a shared love of good food and sports can bring together even the most ardent rivals, showcasing the unifying power of community and the ability to overcome preconceived notions through open-minded experiences.