Chicken wings are a popular dish that can be hard to resist. As you’re enjoying a basket at your favorite restaurant, you might be wondering who created this iconic meal. You can learn more about the fascinating story behind wings in the informative guide below.

The Complete History of Wings

Who Made the First Chicken Wings?

Up until the mid-20th century, chicken wings were typically thrown away or used for stock due to their lack of meat. They were considered so undesirable that Teresa Bellissimo — a bar owner in Buffalo, NY, and the inventor of this dish — did not know what to do with them when she accidentally received a delivery of wings in 1964.

She couldn’t let them go to waste, so she cut them in half, fried them up, covered them in her special sauce, and served them with the only sides they had available—celery and blue cheese. With that, classic Buffalo wings were born. The dish quickly spread throughout the community, then eventually across the nation.

How Did They Gain Popularity?

There were many factors that contributed to this dish’s fame. Wings are delicious, affordable, and easily shareable among patrons, and restaurants can serve them at a low cost. As sports bars with televisions became more widespread, wings further gained popularity as a handheld choice among diners who wanted to keep their eyes on the game.

Their popularity spread in 1993 when a Philadelphia radio station held its first Wing Bowl eating contest. It has since become one of the most well-attended competitive eating events, sometimes boasting crowds of over 20,000 people.

Satisfy your craving for wings at Corleone’s Bar & Grill. Based in Belle Vernon, PA, this restaurant proudly serves a delectable selection of top-quality Italian cuisine. From gourmet hand-tossed pizza and perfectly seasoned pasta to mouthwatering desserts and wings served in your favorite sauce or dry rub, they offer dishes for every taste. Browse their full menu online and call (724) 633-0227 to reserve a table today.