Vegetarian Sues Buffalo Wild Wings for “Meatless” Dishes Cooked in Beef Tallow

A New York consumer has filed a lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (BWW) alleging the company misleads vegetarian customers into believing the restaurant chain offers vegetarian fare when certain offerings are actually cooked in beef tallow. Borenkoff v. Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., No. 8532 (S.D.N.Y., filed November 2, 2016). The complaint asserts that BWW does not disclose its use of beef tallow in its menu descriptions, nutritional information or website, and further, the usage departs from the industry standard of non-beef cooking oil. The plaintiff seeks class certification, an injunction, compensatory and punitive damages, costs and attorney’s fees for an alleged violation of New York’s consumer-protection statute and unjust enrichment.

Issue 621