Buffalo Wild Wings Has A Plan To Get You To Spend More Money

The chain's sales soared 6% in the third quarter despite widespread troubles in the casual dining sector.

Executives are planning a myriad of changes to get customers to come more often, stay at the restaurant longer, and spend more money.

Buffalo Wild Wings recently shared its plan with UBS for a recent report.

Here's what will be different going forward.

1. Lots of tablet features.

Buffalo Wild Wings already has trivia and games on its tablets. Starting next year, the company will let customers order using the devices. This will eliminate the chance that a customer's order will be misheard in the noisy sports bar. It also creates a more efficient system in the kitchen.

The company is also adding options to pay for games and music.

UBS also notes that Buffalo Wild Wings is working on letting customers pay from the tablet.

2. Equipping servers with handheld devices.

Giving servers electronic devices will help them better communicate with customers and the kitchen. It could also expedite the payment process - servers could theoretically swipe the cards tableside, rather than going to a machine and back.

3. Loyalty program.

Buffalo Wild Wings is working on implementing a loyalty program, but there are few details right now.

"This is likely to be a long-term evolution and unlike anything you've seen offered anywhere else, with a lot of flexibility for how to earn points and what you can do with your points," the UBS analysts write. "Extra points for a Blazin' Challenge? Yes, likely."

4. "Your Own" audio.

Buffalo Wild Wings is looking into implementing technology that would allow a person to stream any game of their choice and listen using headphones, according to UBS. This could make the viewing experience more enjoyable during loud, busy times.

5. Ordering ahead.

The restaurant chain is developing order-ahead technology. This would enable fast pick-up and would be especially compelling for lunchtime customers who are in a hurry.

6. More sauces and beer.

The company's Sauce Lab has been a "tremendous success," the UBS analysts write. Buffalo Wild Wings releases new chicken wing sauces 7 times a year in flavors like Korean BBQ and Chipotle Cherry Sting. Many of the special flavors have sold out.

Management is also capitalizing on the craft beer trend and adding regional taps to the menu.

7. Local events.

UBS analysts say that local sporting events are an "untapped market."

"Some work needs to be done regarding rights to show games etc. but think about an away football game on a Friday night in a smaller market-we think it's an obvious initiative," the analysts write. "There are options for game replays and much more as well."