Buffalo Wild Wings GO Akron OH Location Overview

In-Depth Report: Buffalo Wild Wings ‘GO’ at 1 N Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313

Overview

The Buffalo Wild Wings ‘GO’ location at 1 N Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313, represents a modern, streamlined evolution of the traditional Buffalo Wild Wings experience. Known informally as "BWW GO," this concept is a counter-service, takeout- and delivery-focused offshoot of the parent brand, engineered to cater to the growing preference for off-premises dining while retaining many core menu favorites that have made Buffalo Wild Wings an American staple. In this comprehensive report, we explore every facet of the Hawkins Ave BWW GO, from menu offerings and pricing to hours, reviews, unique features, and its divergence from the classic Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar model. The insights below are based on dozens of recent web sources, official materials, reviews, and market analyses.

Customer Reviews

Aggregate Ratings and Perceptions

Customer feedback for the Buffalo Wild Wings GO at 1 N Hawkins Ave is mixed, reflective of both the complexities of digital-first restaurant models and customer expectations rooted in the traditional BWW experience. Review aggregators show scores typically ranging between 2.0 and 3.4 (out of 5) depending on review recency and platform, with approximately 17% of customers awarding 5/5 and 69% giving 1/5 stars on some platforms6.

  • Google: 3.2 stars
  • Facebook: 3.0 stars
  • Tripadvisor: 1.0 star
  • Direct Customer Polls: 17% 5-star, 6% 4-star, majority 1-star reviews (consistency issues cited)

Positive Themes

Some customers praise the hot, freshly prepared food, especially citing extra crispy wings, classically flavorful sauces, and the patient and friendly staff. Several reviewers note that the speedy order processing, clean environment, and takeout convenience make it an enjoyable choice for families and quick group gatherings. Favorite menu items, according to multiple reviews, include Traditional Buffalo Wings, Boneless Wings, French Fries, and certain burgers1.

Positive feedback also emerges on delivery platforms, especially for orders that are “spot on,” hot, and delivered quickly with all contents correct. Customers recommend utilizing the “wings bundles” for parties or group meals due to the volume and ease of customization.

Negative Themes

However, reviews skew heavily critical, especially on restaurant-specific feedback sites, which cite:

  • Order Accuracy: Multiple reports of missing wings, incorrect sauce selections, and incomplete group orders, especially for larger or bundle meals.
  • Customer Service: Some reviewers describe negative interactions with staff around missing items or refund requests, highlighting a perceived lack of accountability when food is outsourced to third-party delivery services. One reviewer commented that, “once the food leaves the store, it’s not their problem,” referencing difficulties with recourse through DoorDash and the BWW site itself7.
  • Food Quality: Consistent complaints about bland or underseasoned wings, notably when ordering popular dry rubs like lemon pepper, and unappealing texture (“chicken was tough as a pair of Harley boots”).
  • Speed and Temperature: Extended waits for pickup orders and food arriving lukewarm or cold detract from the “GO” promise of speed. Food freshness and order readiness time are recurrent sore points6.

Yet, overwhelmingly negative reviews are offset by a subset of customers who have had seamless, hot, and accurate experiences, particularly when using the online ordering system for smaller or more standard menu requests.

Platform Ratings Comparison

One clear trend emerges: service and satisfaction levels are higher for small, straightforward pickup or delivery orders; larger group, value, or special requests are more likely to encounter issues.

Hours of Operation

Buffalo Wild Wings GO at 1 N Hawkins Ave maintains extended hours suitable for both lunch and late-night/after-work food runs-mirroring its takeout-centric identity. The hours, verified against both official listings and aggregator sites, are as follows:

  • Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

These hours remain consistent across most online resources, and the restaurant is rarely cited for closing early or deviating from publicized timings8.

Contact Details:

  • Address: 1 N Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313
  • Phone: (234) 901-6151

Late-night weekend hours (midnight closing Friday and Saturday) reflect a responsiveness to demand for wings and burgers during sporting events and social gatherings.

Unique Features and Services (What Sets BWW GO Apart)

Conceptual Overview: The GO Model

The BWW GO model is purpose-built for a new era of foodservice. Launched nationally in 2020 and now with over 100 standalone locations, GO represents Buffalo Wild Wings’ biggest off-premises dining pivot, driven by broader trends toward delivery and counter service. The Hawkins Ave site is one of two GO locations in Akron and among the earliest units launched nationwide9.

Distinct from traditional Buffalo Wild Wings “sports bars,” BWW GO is:

  • Smaller (avg. 1,500 sq ft vs. 5,000-7,000 sq ft for standard stores)
  • Primarily digital (65%+ sales via online/app)
  • Counter-service/quick pick-up focused, with dine-in minimized to a handful of seats
  • Orders fulfilled rapidly with an emphasis on “ready to go” experience
  • Bundles and value packs engineered for group/family takeout

13Buffalo Wild Wings’ New Concept is Ready for Take-Off.

Physical Layout and In-Store Experience

The Hawkins Ave BWW GO features a minimalist, streamlined physical design:

  • A walk-up counter with digital menu boards for easy readability and ordering
  • Self-service drink stations may be available depending on local code (alcohol optional, some locations have package beer)
  • Limited indoor seating-typically less than 20 seats, sometimes just 8-12, reinforcing a “grab-and-go” model
  • Dedicated waiting area with clear pickup lockers or shelving for app/online orders
  • Layout prioritizes efficiency and speedy movement of both customers and food

Unlike standard BWW, there are no sprawling sports bar spaces, no large TVs geared toward long-stay patrons, and no table service.

Online Ordering and App Features

Ordering is optimized through both the Buffalo Wild Wings website and its robust app, which now integrates the brand’s “Blazin’ Rewards” program10, 5. Customers may:

  • Schedule ahead for takeout or delivery
  • Customize and reorder favorites easily
  • Track points and rewards within the app
  • Receive push notifications and limited-time offers
  • Enjoy app-only exclusive bundles and discounts (e.g., $16.99 for 20 Boneless with fries and dips for app/online only)
  • Secure no-contact delivery through partners like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Seamless

Digital ordering enables high throughput and significantly reduces counter wait times when effectively deployed.

Delivery and Takeout Advantages

BWW GO’s logistical backbone rests on both first-party (brand-operated) delivery and major third-party platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Seamless, Grubhub). Orders placed via the app may be bundled with Blazin’ Rewards, and special tracking, notifications, and follow-up surveys strengthen post-order engagement11.

Curbside pickup and “heated takeout lockers” (in select locations) improve the pickup experience; while not all GO stores have the lockers, the Hawkins Ave store has a clear and efficient order handoff process.

Delivery accuracy remains a focus, though logistical errors are an ongoing source of customer frustration.

Promotions and Rewards Programs

  • Blazin’ Rewards: The established BWW loyalty program, now improved, allows customers to earn 10 points per dollar (12 per dollar at elite Blazin’ Status, unlocked after $250 in yearly spend), redeemable for food and exclusive perks like free wings on birthdays and BOGO deals12.
  • Wing Tuesdays: Buy one, get one 50% off on traditional wings (sometimes 100% for rewards members)
  • Boneless Thursdays: Buy one, get one free Boneless Wings, a legacy promotion transferred from standard stores to GO
  • Exclusive Online/App Bundles: App/online guests receive deeper discounts on select items, especially wing bundles
  • GO-Only Sauces and Menu Items: Periodic release of new sauces and flavor trials exclusive to GO ordering (e.g., Golden Fire, General Tso's, etc.)10.

Comparative Analysis: BWW GO vs. Standard Buffalo Wild Wings

Physical and Operational Differences

Buffalo Wild Wings ‘GO’ is fundamentally about off-premises optimization. With average footprints of just 1,500 square feet, limited seating (typically under 20), and a stripped-back counter-service model, GO is engineered for neighborhoods and spaces where a full-service sports bar would be impractical or uneconomical. In stark contrast, standard Buffalo Wild Wings locations average 5,000-7,500 square feet, focus on in-dining, and feature a wide range of entertainment options (dozens of flat-screen TVs, arcade games, crowded bar scenes).

Menu and Customer Experience

Whereas the full-service BWW excels as a social, prolonged “game day” destination with expanded bar and grill options, GO privileges speed, value, and culinary centralization-the menu is wings, bundles, select sides, and a few hearty sandwiches. The elimination of large-scale bar service and complicated kitchen workflow enables much faster throughput. GO units also demonstrate a propensity for digital experimentation-trials of new flavors, exclusive bundles, and “app-only” deals happen here first before the mainline rollout.

Service and Brand Footprint

Traditional BWW boasts table service, a robust bar program (beer, cocktails, hard liquor), and a family-friendly casual dining setting. BWW GO, however, is counter-service or online order pickup only, providing minimal interaction unless requested by the guest (such as for order issues or rewards questions). The smaller footprint and reduced labor-intensive model allow GO to pop up in in-line mall spaces, high-traffic city blocks, and suburban shopping strips where the classic “bar and grill” would not fit.

Community and Rewards

Both concepts utilize the Blazin’ Rewards program and promotions like Wing Tuesdays and Boneless Thursdays to drive frequent return visits. The GO model, however, further incentivizes app transactions and loyalty, offering limited-time and digital-exclusive rewards frequently.

Delivery Partners and Platform Integration

Buffalo Wild Wings GO at Hawkins Ave is thoroughly integrated with all major delivery services, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, Seamless, and Grubhub11. Each platform provides full menu access, real-time order tracking, app loyalty integration, and frequently offers first-time customer discounts or $0 delivery deals. The company leverages its own branded e-commerce experience as the foundation, but allocates substantial order volume to delivery service aggregators.

Generally, reviews and ratings are more favorable on DoorDash and Uber Eats than on direct restaurant rating platforms, likely due to transaction completion surveys and more controlled customer expectations for delivery/takeout accuracy.

The ordering ecosystem provides robust group order management, flavor customization, and time scheduling.

Community Engagement

Although GO units do not support traditional BWW community engagement-like local watch parties or in-person fundraising nights-they are active supporters of local business networks and food loyalty partnerships (like Downtown Akron Partnership, Greater Akron Chamber, and others). The smaller real estate footprint often allows for more “hyper-local” penetration, and the GO model’s focus on at-home and group consumption aligns well with community and athletic event catering.

Some area Buffalo Wild Wings GO stores, especially those downtown, have experimented with alcohol-to-go and patio dining as pilots to further community involvement and test legal/consumer boundaries2.

Notable Strengths and Challenges

Strengths

  • Menu Focus: High-quality, familiar wing and sauce options with efficient, value-driven bundles
  • Speed & Convenience: Rapid fulfillment and robust digital ordering reduce in-store waits
  • Digital Loyalty: Enhanced engagement via the Blazin’ Rewards program, driving repeat business
  • Group Ordering: Large volume bundles and party deals directly targeting group events
  • Exclusive Flavors and Promotions: Ability to trial and launch unique flavors in a lower-risk venue

Challenges

  • Order Accuracy and Fulfillment: Recurring customer complaints regarding missing or incorrect items, especially with group/bundle orders
  • Service Consistency: Variable reviews on staff helpfulness and problem resolution
  • Limited Atmosphere: Minimal seating and “sports bar” energy, which some traditionalists miss
  • Food Freshness: Occasional issues with lukewarm food or inconsistent seasoning on pickup/delivery
  • Public Perception: Review scores are often lower relative to parent brand, especially during high-demand times or third-party platform failures

Conclusion

The Buffalo Wild Wings ‘GO’ location at 1 N Hawkins Ave is an archetype of next-generation quick-service, takeout-focused dining for the Buffalo Wild Wings brand. It offers a streamlined, efficient alternative to the traditional BWW experience, ideal for consumers seeking rapid access to signature wings, bundles, and familiar saucy goods. Digital integration-from app-based ordering to delivery aggregators-represents the backbone of operations, further harmonized through robust loyalty rewards and digital-exclusive menu deals.

However, GO’s strengths in speed, value, and group ordering are not always paired with equally robust service consistency, as review data reveal. Prospective visitors should expect a high-quality wing experience-especially when placing straightforward or smaller orders-but may wish to double-check order contents for large groups or more complex customizations.

For the Akron area, this innovative restaurant format adds a powerful takeout and delivery choice, in alignment with broader shifts in American food service and digital consumer behavior. The Hawkins Ave site’s success will rest on continuing to balance efficiency with order accuracy and experience-a challenge, but one for which the GO concept is explicitly designed.

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