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MINNEAPOLIS - James "Jimmy" Disbrow, who co-founded the rapidly growing Buffalo Wild Wings chain after a craving for buffalo wings was left unsatisfied, died Oct. 16 at his home in Edina, Minn., following a four-- year battle with brain cancer. He was 54.
"Jim's electric personality, competitive spirit and generosity are the heart and soul of Buffalo Wild Wings; he will be deeply missed by all," said Sally J. Smith, president and chief executive of Buffalo Wild Wings.
Disbrow opened his first Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in 1982 with partner Scott Lowery in Columbus, Ohio, near the campus of Ohio State University. The two men recognized an untapped niche when they were unable to find a restaurant serving a wide variety of buffalo wings in the area. The fast-casual concept, renowned for its New York-style buffalo wings with 12 signature sauces, was an instant hit with the college crowd.
But what began as a sports-- bar and wings concept has evolved into a family-oriented restaurant with a menu including such entrees as crispy chicken tender salad, barbecue pork sandwich and three-cheese quesadillas. Today the self-taught restaurateur's chain has more than 188...