Maybe there just is something to those shows Restaurant Impossible and Bar Rescue where the several day remodels always come down to the wire. If Jay Mike wasn’t a believer in those shows, he probably is now.

 

Mike, the general manager of Buffalo Wild Wings at Charles Pointe, was all smiles this morning as the ribbon was cut to celebrate the grand re-opening of the heavily trafficked restaurant just off of Jerry Dove Drive and Interstate 79. He was joined by corporate, city and Harrison County Chamber of Commerce officials – and the Buffalo mascot.

 

That was taking place as workers were busy setting things up inside the establishment. And Mike said he was positive things would open later this afternoon.

 

At 4 p.m. today, the doors will officially re-open to the public. After that, business hours will return to normal as they have since the store opened on Sept. 30, 2007.

 

“I’m relieved this day is here and glad this day is here,” said Mike.

 

Twelve days ago, at the end of the work day of July 31, the doors were shut on the restaurant. The purpose was for a remodel of the store in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The exterior work alone required a $365,000 building permit, while the inside work is easily several hundred thousand dollars more.

 

“There’s a whole new look starting with the bigger TVs. We went from the modern 42 (inch screens) up to the 55s and 60s and 70s,” said Mike. “We have a big screen behind the bar that is 160 inches and in between we have 133s.”

 

If the new televisions were the only part of the remodel it would have been noticeable. However, there’s been much more.

 

There is a new enclosed patio that features nine televisions and also garage doors that can be opened during warm weather days and events – and it can be reserved. There will also be an open air patio that features umbrellas.

 

There are also no logos and the awnings outside have changed as well. The entrance area has the logo on the front of the store as opposed to the sides of the covered entrance and gives the restaurant what appears to be a brand new façade.

 

“It’s actually always been that way, but by moving the buffalo from the side to the front makes it pop. Plus, the color schemes outside are much more inviting,” Mike said.

 

Inside, one thing Mike said regulars will notice is that the space is much brighter. The primary paint is called “bee,” which is a bright yellow that differentiates significantly from the dark green and red previously in place. The ceiling is also white and LED track lights are in place throughout the building.

 

There are new seats that will greet the customers as well. Mike said staff spent four hours on the freshly paved parking lot in 100-degree weather putting it together so that it would be ready today. There are plenty of other new touches, particularly involving the decor.

 

The bar area has also had some new touches, perhaps most notably in the selection area. There are now 30 beers on tap for customers.

 

“Every day since we started this not quite two weeks ago we would have to tell people that we were closed, which was only awesome because so many people came up and were excited to know what we were doing,” said Mike. “I just can’t to see everyone. I miss everyone.”

 

Along with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bridgeport Mayor Robert "Bob" Greer briefly addressed those in attendance. He presented Mike with a certificate acknowledging the business in the community.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the officials just prior the ribbon being cut, while the greeting as you go through the door will be hard to miss. Below are photos of what you'll see inside the new-look Buffalo Wild Wings.