East Texas A&M University Breaks Ground on Buffalo Wild Wings, a New Hub for Lion Fans

Wings, sports and school spirit—East Texas A&M University is gearing up for a game-changing addition with a brand-new Buffalo Wild Wings set to open in fall 2025.

Construction is underway just south of Whitley Hall near State Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas. The restaurant will be university-owned and operated by East Texas A&M's food services provider, Sodexo. It is poised to be the go-to spot for students and the community to enjoy good food while watching sports on the big screen.

Big flavors, big screens, big fun

What do you get when you combine incredible wings, 26 sauces, and amazing burgers with family, friends and sports? A global franchise brand of 1,200+ sports bars across 10 countries – and now our campus.

Buffalo Wild Wings is the largest sports bar franchise in the U.S. and the fastest-growing wings-to-go concept with BWW GO. Buffalo Wild Wings is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants which includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC.

“We are thrilled to bring a brand-new Buffalo Wild Wings to East Texas A&M University,” the company said in a statement. “With wall-to-wall TVs, a spacious enclosed patio, and a covered exterior game area, this new sports bar is the ultimate spot for Lion Athletics fans to enjoy wings, burgers, and our signature sauces while cheering on their team. We look forward to joining the community and becoming a go-to location for students, faculty, and sports fans this year.”

Archer Construction from Paris, Texas, is the contractor for the project. The building will provide more than 5,000 square feet of space and capacity for 281 people. It will also feature an enclosed patio area and a covered exterior game area equipped with TVs and cornhole boards.

The start of something big in Commerce

The new restaurant is the first piece of a larger project that will ultimately include a hotel and a new event center/arena for the university. Buffalo Wild Wings will connect to a central plaza, allowing patrons to dine and then walk a short distance to enjoy events in the new arena.

East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin expressed his enthusiasm for the new restaurant.

“This establishment is poised to become a go-to spot for students, families, Lion Athletics fans and more,” Rudin said. “We are excited to partner with Buffalo Wild Wings in this endeavor, and I can't wait to order up my first basket of wings!”