MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc., — a casual-dining chain that specializes in wings, beer and sports — is coming to Canada.

Last week, the first two Canadian franchise agreements for the Minneapolis-based sports grill and bar were signed. “We are a large brand now in the United States, and it seemed to make sense to look at the international market,” Sally Smith, company CEO, told foodserviceworld.com, while visiting Toronto to finalize lease agreements for Ontario locations in Oshawa and Mississauga. “Of course, we looked to our neighbours to the north and thought, Canadians like wings, Canadians love beer and they love sports, so [there’s] a lot of the same demographics that we have throughout the States.”

The typical Buffalo Wild Wing location runs at almost 6,000 square feet and offers seating for 300 sports fans who can enjoy the game on as many as 30 large-screen televisions while indulging in New York-style chicken wings, burgers, apps, salads and a wide selection of beer.

Plans have been mapped to open 50 to 70 units across the country within the next five years, with the first units set to open in Ontario in spring 2011.