Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Buffalo Wild Wings Over 'Boneless Wings'

The judge ruled that reasonable consumers are not deceived by the restaurant chain's marketing of boneless wings.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A U.S. federal judge in Chicago has dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings that alleged the restaurant chain deceived consumers by selling boneless wings that are not actually made from de-boned chicken wings. The judge ruled that reasonable consumers are not misled by the chain's marketing of the menu item, which is essentially a chicken nugget.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges consumers face in accurately understanding food marketing claims, especially around processed meat products. The ruling suggests courts may be hesitant to intervene in such cases unless there is clear evidence of deception.

The details

The lawsuit was brought in 2023 by a man named Aimen Halim, who claimed he was misled into purchasing the 'boneless wings' menu item. Judge John Tharp Jr. dismissed the case, stating that Halim's complaint 'has no meat on its bones' and that he failed to provide enough factual allegations to support his claims. The judge said reasonable consumers would not be deceived into thinking boneless wings are made from actual wing meat.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2023.
  • The judge dismissed the case on February 17, 2026.
  • The judge gave the plaintiff until March 20, 2026 to amend the lawsuit and present additional facts.

The players

Aimen Halim

The plaintiff who filed the proposed class action lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, alleging the restaurant chain deceived consumers over its 'boneless wings' menu item.

Judge John Tharp Jr.

The U.S. federal judge in Chicago who dismissed the lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, ruling that reasonable consumers are not deceived by the chain's marketing of boneless wings.

Buffalo Wild Wings

The restaurant and sports bar chain that was sued over its 'boneless wings' menu item, which the plaintiff claimed was misleading to consumers.

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What they’re saying

“Halim sued (Buffalo Wild Wings) over his confusion, but his complaint has no meat on its bones.”

— Judge John Tharp Jr., U.S. Federal Judge (Reuters)

“Despite his best efforts, Halim did not 'drum' up enough factual allegations to state a claim.”

— Judge John Tharp Jr., U.S. Federal Judge (Reuters)

“If Halim is right, reasonable consumers should think that cauliflower wings are made (at least in part) from wing meat. They don't, though.”

— Judge John Tharp Jr., U.S. Federal Judge (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge has given the plaintiff until March 20, 2026 to amend the lawsuit and present additional facts that could allow the case to proceed.

The takeaway

This ruling suggests courts may be reluctant to intervene in cases where consumers claim to be misled by food marketing claims, unless there is clear evidence of deception. The decision highlights the challenges consumers face in accurately understanding processed food products and their ingredients.