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

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

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A U.S. federal judge in Chicago has thrown out a 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 understand 'boneless wings' are essentially chicken nuggets, not true wing meat.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around food labeling and consumer expectations, as well as the challenges companies face in marketing products that may not fit traditional definitions. The ruling suggests courts may be hesitant to find deception in cases where the product name does not literally match the contents.

The details

Aimen Halim sued Buffalo Wild Wings in 2023, claiming the chain's marketing and advertising of 'boneless wings' violated consumer protection laws by misleading customers. However, Judge John Tharp Jr. dismissed the proposed class action lawsuit, stating that 'reasonable consumers are not deceived into thinking boneless wings are truly made of wing meat.' The judge argued that if Halim's logic were applied, '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 19, 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 lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, alleging the chain deceived consumers by selling 'boneless wings' that are not made from wing meat.

Judge John Tharp Jr.

The U.S. federal judge in Chicago who dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that reasonable consumers understand 'boneless wings' are not true chicken wings.

Buffalo Wild Wings

The restaurant and sports bar chain that was sued over its marketing and advertising of 'boneless wings.'

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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 (insurancejournal.com)

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

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

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 move forward.

The takeaway

This ruling suggests courts may be hesitant to find deception in cases where a product's name does not literally match its contents, as long as reasonable consumers understand the difference. It highlights the ongoing challenges companies face in marketing food products that don't fit traditional definitions.