Judge Rules Buffalo Wild Wings Can Keep Calling Boneless Wings 'Boneless'

Lawsuit claiming 'boneless wings' are misleading dismissed, but plaintiff given chance to amend complaint.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A judge has ruled that Buffalo Wild Wings can continue calling their boneless wings 'boneless,' despite a lawsuit claiming the menu item is misleading and is actually just chicken nuggets. The judge said 'boneless wings' is a common term that has existed for over two decades, and the plaintiff did not provide enough evidence that reasonable consumers are fooled by the terminology. However, the judge is allowing the plaintiff to amend the initial complaint, though admitted a different ruling is unlikely.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around food labeling and marketing claims, as consumers become more discerning about the true nature of the products they purchase. It raises questions about how much leeway restaurants have in using common industry terms, even if the product doesn't perfectly match consumer expectations.

The details

In March 2023, a Chicago man named Aimen Halim filed a lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, arguing their 'boneless wings' are misleadingly named and are actually just chicken nuggets. Halim claimed he bought the boneless wings in January 2023 thinking they were made from chicken wing meat, when in reality they were slices of chicken breast that are more akin to chicken nuggets. He said he suffered financial injury due to the restaurant's 'false and deceptive conduct.' However, the judge ruled that 'boneless wings' is a common industry term, and Halim did not provide enough evidence that reasonable consumers are fooled by it. The judge is allowing Halim to amend his initial complaint, though admitted a different ruling is unlikely.

  • The lawsuit was filed in March 2023.
  • Halim purchased the boneless wings in January 2023.
  • The judge's ruling was issued on February 19, 2026.

The players

Aimen Halim

A Chicago man who filed a lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, claiming their 'boneless wings' are misleadingly named and are actually just chicken nuggets.

Buffalo Wild Wings

A popular restaurant chain that serves 'boneless wings' as a menu item.

Judge John Tharp Jr.

The Illinois judge who ruled that Buffalo Wild Wings can continue calling their boneless wings 'boneless,' though he is allowing the plaintiff to amend the initial complaint.

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What they’re saying

“Boneless wings are not a niche product for which a consumer would need to do extensive research to figure out the truth. Instead, 'boneless wings' is a common term that has existed for over two decades.”

— Judge John Tharp Jr. (Court ruling)

“Though he has standing to bring the claim because he plausibly alleged economic injury, he does not plausibly allege that reasonable consumers are fooled by BWW's use of the term 'boneless wings.'”

— Judge John Tharp Jr. (Court ruling)

What’s next

The judge is allowing the plaintiff, Aimen Halim, to amend his initial complaint by March 20, 2026, though the judge admitted a different ruling is unlikely.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around food labeling and marketing claims, as consumers become more discerning about the true nature of the products they purchase. It raises questions about how much leeway restaurants have in using common industry terms, even if the product doesn't perfectly match consumer expectations.