Chicken wings have come a long way from humble beginnings. Today they’re America’s favorite game-day food, the centerpiece of countless family dinners, and worthy of having their very own holiday.

With National Chicken Wing Day coming up, we thought it’d be fun to test your wing knowledge. Here are 10 facts that might surprise even the biggest wing fan.

1. Buffalo Wings Were Born by Accident

Before 1964, chicken wings weren’t exactly the star of the menu. They were often used to make stock or simply discarded.

That changed when Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, fried up a batch of wings, tossed them in a buttery hot sauce, and served them to hungry late-night guests. One happy accident later, an American icon was born.

2. Chicken Wings Have Their Own National Holiday

If you’re looking for an excuse to order wings, you’ve got one.

National Chicken Wing Day is celebrated every year on July 29, after the mayor of Buffalo officially declared the holiday in 1977 to honor the city’s most famous food creation.

At Wings and Rings, we’re celebrating the best way we know how: 40% OFF all wing varieties for one day only. Whether you love Traditional, Boneless, Smoked, Grilled, Southern Fried, or Cauliflower Wings, it’s the perfect opportunity to try a new flavor or order your go-to favorite.

3. One Order Is Just the Beginning at Wings and Rings

Think you’ve tried everything?

At Wings and Rings, you can choose from Traditional, Boneless, Smoked, Grilled, Southern Fried, or Cauliflower Wings, then pair them with your favorite signature sauces and dry rubs.

When you do the math, that’s hundreds of possible flavor combinations, meaning there’s always a new favorite waiting to be discovered.

4. Some Wing Sauces Are Almost Unbelievably Hot

Ever wonder just how spicy a wing can get?

Some of the world’s hottest challenge sauces use pepper extracts measuring more than 9 million Scoville Heat Units.

For comparison:

• Jalapeño: about 5,000 SHU
• Habanero: about 250,000 SHU
• Carolina Reaper: around 2.2 million SHU
• Extreme pepper extract sauces: 9+ million SHU

We’ll let the professional heat seekers handle those.

5. Americans Eat Billions of Wings

Chicken wings aren’t just popular; they’re one of America’s favorite foods.

During football’s biggest weekend alone, Americans consume well over a billion wings, and billions more are enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. That’s a lot of napkins.

6. Competitive Wing Eaters Are Built Different

Think you can put away a dozen wings?

Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut has eaten well over 180 chicken wings in a single competition. We’ll stick with enjoying ours one basket at a time.

7. The Great Debate: Flats or Drums?

Ask a group of wing lovers which is better and prepare for an argument. Some swear flats hold more sauce. Others insist drums are meatier and easier to eat. At Wings and Rings, we’re staying neutral. The correct answer is whichever one is on your plate.

8. Ranch Wasn’t There in the Beginning

The original Buffalo wings weren’t served with ranch dressing. They were paired with bleu cheese and celery, a tradition that still has plenty of loyal fans today.

While the ranch-versus-bleu-cheese debate is alive and well, one thing our guests can agree on is that our house-made bleu cheese is worth talking about. Rich, creamy, loaded with real bleu cheese crumbles, and made for dunking, it’s become a fan favorite for a reason.

9. Wings and Rings Has Been Sharing Great Wings Across the Globe

What started with a passion for great food and sports has grown into restaurants serving guests across the United States and around the world.

No matter where you visit us, one thing stays the same: bold flavors, cold drinks, and a place where friends and family come together over great food.

10. National Chicken Wing Day Is the Perfect Time to Find Your Favorite

Sure, every day is a good day for wings. But on July 29, we’re making it even better.

Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day at participating Wings and Rings locations with 40% OFF all wing varieties, including Traditional, Boneless, Smoked, Grilled, Southern Fried, and Cauliflower Wings.

Whether you’re loyal to Buffalo, craving something sweet and smoky, or ready to try a new flavor combination, there’s never been a better excuse to gather your crew and celebrate.

Because one thing we know for sure…Life’s better with wings. See you on July 29!