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

Court rules 'reasonable consumers' understand boneless wings are not made from wing meat.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A U.S. federal judge in Chicago has dismissed a lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings that alleged the restaurant chain deceived consumers by selling 'boneless wings' that are not actually made from chicken wings. The judge ruled that reasonable consumers would not be misled into thinking boneless wings contain wing meat, likening it to the expectation that 'cauliflower wings' are not made from wing meat.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges companies face in marketing food products, especially when the names may not perfectly align with the actual ingredients. The ruling suggests courts will take a practical view of consumer expectations rather than a literal interpretation of product names.

The details

The lawsuit was brought by a man named Aimen Halim, who claimed Buffalo Wild Wings violated Illinois consumer protection laws by misleading customers about the contents of its 'boneless wings' menu item. However, the judge found Halim's complaint lacked sufficient factual allegations, stating 'If Halim is right, reasonable consumers should think that cauliflower wings are made (at least in part) from wing meat. They don't, though.'

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2023.
  • The judge dismissed the case on February 17, 2026.
  • Halim has until March 20, 2026 to amend his lawsuit with additional facts.

The players

Judge John Tharp Jr.

The U.S. federal judge in Chicago who dismissed the lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings.

Aimen Halim

The plaintiff who filed the proposed class action lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, alleging the chain deceived consumers by selling 'boneless wings' that are not made from chicken wings.

Buffalo Wild Wings

The restaurant and sports bar chain that was sued over its 'boneless wings' menu item.

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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 (ksgf.com)

“'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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Halim has until March 20, 2026 to amend his lawsuit with additional facts that could allow the case to proceed.

The takeaway

This ruling suggests courts will take a practical, common-sense approach to evaluating consumer expectations around food product names, rather than a literal interpretation. It highlights the challenges companies face in marketing items that may not perfectly align with their names.