Which city proclaimed July 29, 1977, to be Chicken Wing Day?

Buffalo proclaimed July 29, 1977, to be Chicken Wing Day.

The proclamation came from the city of Buffalo, New York, the place whose name became attached to the spicy chicken-wing style. It honored Frank Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, a restaurant that claims an important role in popularizing the dish.

The date is part of Buffalo wings’ local history rather than evidence of a nationwide holiday created by a federal authority. Buffalo’s recognition helped tie the food to the city’s civic identity as wings became increasingly popular beyond Western New York.

The origin story is not completely settled. The Anchor Bar is the best-known claimant, but John Young also played an important role in Buffalo’s chicken-wing history. Young served breaded, deep-fried wings with his own sauce before Buffalo wings became a national restaurant staple.