Pittsburgh Restaurants Rally Against Buffalo: A Culinary Stand Before Bills-Steelers Playoff Game

Overview

Pittsburgh Restaurants Rally – With the Wild Card matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the horizon, some fervent Pittsburgh fans are elevating team loyalty to a unique level. A movement is gaining momentum to boycott all things “Buffalo,” including the iconic Buffalo wings and sauce. This culinary protest is making waves among select Pittsburgh establishments, introducing an intriguing flavor of rivalry into the pre-game excitement.

Pittsburgh Takes a Culinary Stand: “No Buffalo Allowed”

Leading the Charge

At the forefront of this culinary protest is Bubba Snider, owner of the Pittsburgh-area restaurant, Bubba’s Burghers. Snider is unequivocal in his support for the Steelers, declaring, “As a Steelers fan, in the playoffs, there is no way I’m doing anything to support anything Buffalo at my restaurant. Period. End of story.” His establishment has not only removed Buffalo sauce from the menu until after the game but has extended the ban to “Buffalo” products like the beloved Buffalo chicken wing dip.

Franchise Participation

Surprisingly, even local McDonald’s restaurants in Pittsburgh are actively participating in the boycott. An operator of 22 Pittsburgh-area McDonald’s establishments stated, “I’m shutting down the Buffalo sauce this week — just like the Black and Gold are going to stop the Bills on Sunday.” This movement is not confined to independent establishments; major franchises are adding a humorous twist to the pre-game banter.

Mixed Reactions in Western Pennsylvania About Pittsburgh Restaurants Rally

Initiating a Boycott

A Pittsburgh sports talk radio station initiated and promoted a “citywide boycott of Buffalo wings.” However, this move has generated mixed reactions, with over 200 comments reflecting a spectrum of opinions. Some locals question the rationale behind boycotting local establishments, expressing concerns about potentially harming businesses that are part of the community.

Expressing Confusion

Colin Dunlap, a Pittsburgh radio host, expressed confusion over the boycott, stating, “Buffalo wings, Buffalo sauce, any food, etc — why would any Pittsburgh person boycott eating anything this week and potentially hurt the bottom line of our local restaurants/pizza joints/wing places/etc? I don’t get it.”

Banter Between Fans

Adding a touch of humor to the banter, a Bills fan named Alex suggested extending the boycott year-round based on his experience with wings in Pittsburgh. The banter between fans adds a playful element to the lead-up to the playoff game, showcasing the passion that fans bring to the football experience.

Steelers’ Response: Business as Usual

Team’s Move

In contrast to the culinary boycott, the Pittsburgh Steelers themselves appear unfazed. The team made a roster move, signing punter Brad Wing, perhaps adding a touch of irony to the situation. While Pittsburgh fans are taking a stand against “Buffalo” cuisine, the team remains focused on its game strategy, emphasizing business as usual.

Things You Need To Know about Pittsburgh Restaurants Rally

1. Why are Pittsburgh restaurants boycotting Buffalo wings and sauce?

Pittsburgh restaurants are participating in a unique culinary boycott as a spirited show of support for the Steelers ahead of their Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Fans and restaurant owners, driven by playoff fervor, are abstaining from serving anything associated with Buffalo, including the renowned Buffalo wings and sauce.

2. Is this boycott just limited to independent restaurants, or are franchises involved too?

The boycott transcends independent establishments, with even major franchises like McDonald’s actively participating. The movement has expanded to include well-known brands, adding an amusing twist to the pre-game banter.

3. How extensive is the ban on “Buffalo” items at these restaurants?

The ban extends beyond just Buffalo sauce; it encompasses a range of “Buffalo” products, including the beloved Buffalo chicken wing dip. Restaurants like Bubba’s Burghers have taken a categorical stance against anything associated with Buffalo until after the game.

4. How are Pittsburgh sports talk radio stations contributing to this boycott?

A Pittsburgh sports talk radio station initiated and promoted a “citywide boycott of Buffalo wings,” adding an additional layer to the culinary protest. However, the move has generated mixed reactions, with some locals expressing confusion over the rationale behind boycotting local establishments.

5. Are there concerns about the potential impact on local businesses due to the boycott?

Some members of the community have expressed concerns about potentially harming local businesses. Critics, including Pittsburgh radio host Colin Dunlap, question why individuals would boycott eating anything this week and potentially hurt the bottom line of local restaurants, pizza joints, and wing places.

6. How are the Pittsburgh Steelers responding to the boycott?

The Steelers themselves seem unaffected by the culinary boycott. While Pittsburgh fans take a stand against “Buffalo” cuisine, the team remains focused on its game strategy, evident in their recent roster move of signing punter Brad Wing.

7. Is this boycott expected to continue after the Bills-Steelers playoff game?

The boycott is specifically timed for the playoff game, driven by the heightened emotions of the postseason. There’s no indication that it will extend beyond this timeframe, with the focus being on the unique and entertaining buildup to the Bills-Steelers matchup.

Conclusion : Pittsburgh Restaurants Rally – Unfolding a Culinary Rivalry

As the culinary boycott gains momentum in Pittsburgh ahead of the Bills-Steelers playoff game, the playful banter between fans adds a unique flavor to the rivalry. Whether it’s independent restaurants or major franchises, the decision to go “Buffalo”-free until after the game showcases the passion and creativity that fans bring to the football experience. As the teams prepare to face off, the culinary clash off the field adds an entertaining twist to the usual pre-game rituals, highlighting the distinctive ways in which sports fandom manifests in the city of Pittsburgh.

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