The Real Story behind Original
Anchor Bar Buffalo Wings
The Story
On March 4th, 1964, Dominic Bellissimo was tending bar at the now- famous Anchor Bar Restaurant in Buffalo, NY. Late that evening, a group of Dominic’s friends arrived at the bar with ravenous appetites. Dominic asked his mother, Teressa, to prepare something for his friends to eat.
They looked like chicken wings, a part of the chicken that usually went into the stock pot for soup. Teressa had deep fried the wings and flavored them with a secret sauce. The wings were an instant hit and it didn’t take long for people to flock to the bar to experience their new taste sensation. From that evening on, Buffalo Wings became a regular part of the menu at the Anchor Bar.
The phenomenon created in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo has spread across the globe. Although many have tried to duplicate the Buffalo Wing, the closely guarded secret recipe is what makes Frank & Teressa’s the proclaimed: “Best Wings in the World”.
Awards
Known as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary excellence in all aspects of the industry and is widely considered the most prestigious award for food and beverage professionals in America.
Each year since 1998 the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee has recognized our nation’s beloved regional restaurants. Distinguished by their timeless appeal, they serve quality food that reflects the character of their communities. The very best of these locally owned restaurants are anointed with a James Beard Foundation
Award and designated as America’s Classics.
In 2003 the original Anchor Bar location in Buffalo, New York took home this coveted award. As the HOME OF THE ORIGINAL CHICKEN WING, it has been spreading the appeal of the iconic Buffalo Wing through its award winning sauces and franchise locations.
In 2019 we are honored to bring this Buffalo tradition to Frederick, Maryland and drop anchor with an American Classic.
Referenced elsewhere
In April 2019, the cartoon characters from "The Simpsons" delivered a delightfully salty tribute to Western New York, cranking up the heat. Anchor Bar was highlighted, alongside several other iconic businesses and landmarks.
