Staffing

Buffalo Wild Wings names Scott Nelson chief marketing officer

Photo: BWW

July 1, 2026

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Buffalo Wild Wings has named Scott Nelson as its new chief marketing officer, tapping a veteran marketer with experience in restaurant growth, brand strategy and digital innovation.

Nelson will oversee the brand's marketing and culinary teams, leading efforts to strengthen guest engagement, amplify Buffalo Wild Wings' brand voice and drive growth, according to a company press release.

He joins the sports bar chain from Tatte Bakery & Café, where he served as vice president and head of marketing. During his tenure, the bakery-cafe concept expanded to more than 50 locations across New England and the Mid-Atlantic while building what the company described as a design-focused brand experience.

Nelson also has held leadership roles at Panera Bread, Rakuten and Converse, where he led marketing initiatives centered on consumer engagement, technology and brand storytelling. He has also founded and advised several emerging brands.

"Scott brings a unique entrepreneurial approach that combines big-brand discipline with startup agility," Tristan Meline, brand president of Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar, said in the release. "He is the ideal marketing leader to fuel Buffalo Wild Wings' continued momentum in a dynamic consumer environment, and I look forward to working alongside him as we amplify storytelling, innovation and guest connection across the brand."

Nelson said he was drawn to Buffalo Wild Wings' ability to bring people together through sports, food and entertainment.

"Few brands embody passion and connection like Buffalo Wild Wings, with a focus on fueling moments that bring friends and fans together," Nelson said in the release. "I could not be more excited to work for a brand and team that's innovating with food, drink and atmosphere in a truly differentiated, culturally relevant and experiential way."

Nelson will build on Buffalo Wild Wings' sports-focused marketing strategy and oversee campaigns tied to major sporting events while continuing to evolve the guest experience across media, creative and in-restaurant initiatives.

The appointment is part of Inspire Brands' ongoing efforts to strengthen its executive leadership team and support growth across its restaurant portfolio.