BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)....There's many reasons why Dan Apolito and Casey Dohme keep returning to the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
True, it is a great showcase for their specially created wing sauces but it is also a chance to share stories and information with their peers.
"And, to come to Buffalo - the birthplace of the wing - is extra special," said Apolito.
Apolito, owner of Archer's Tavern n Dayton, Ohio, has been participating the annual wing festival for the past five years.
Not only has he won awards and accolades. Apolitio says he has picked up new customers who sampled his wings in Buffalo and then trekked to Dayton to eat at Archer's.
"You don't think about that spin off, but it is there," Apolito.
Dohme has almost the same experience with his Black Rhino sports bar in Norfolk, Conn.
The Black Rhino has also landed new customers who travel to Norfolk because they were so impressed with its wings.
"Kind of amazing, if you really think about it," Dohme said.
The festival, which is marking its 25th anniversary this weekend, is expected to attract as many as 30,000 people during its two-day run (Saturday and Sunday) at Sahlen Field.
Dohme said he expects to sell as many as 7,000 wings this weekend while Apolitp estimates he will go through as many as 30 gallons of his various sauces.
Both Dohme and Apolito say one of the side benefits of the festival is a chance to test out new sauces before customers.
"You get a large sample size in a very short period of time," Dohme said. "The festival is a good place to try out new wings."
Archer's is showcasing - among others Loganberry Lemon and Buffalo Pickle sauces.
For Black Rhino, it is rolling out a spicy hot mustard and hoisin sweet chili sauce.
"It is all part of the wing story," Dohme said.
Veteran participating wing festival restaurants glad to be back in Buffalo
Veteran participating wing festival restaurants glad to be back in Buffalo
