Buffalo Wild Wings is expected to open this summer in the space that was previously a Duane Reade – and, before that, the Forest Hills Theater. Photo Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council
Buffalo Wild Wings, a national barbecue and sports bar chain, is expected to open in the former Forest Hills Theatre building on Continental Avenue next week.
Located at 107-16 71st Ave. in Forest Hills, the restaurant is slated to hold a grand opening at its 10,000 square foot site on July 15. The new venue – which follows a number of other pubs coming into the area – will offer a menu that includes such sports bar staples as wings, burgers and beer.
Additionally, there will be more than 72 high definition televisions and two projection screens – on which a variety of sports programs are expected to be broadcast.
Settled in the former Forest Hills Theatre, the restaurant will highlight the history of the building, and the area, with historical photos and other memorabilia, according to published reports.
Opened in 1921, the expansive Forest Hills Theatre played films for more than 70 years. United Artists, which owned the theater at the end of its life, sold the historical venue – as well as its counterpart around the corner, Midway Theatre – to a developer in 1998.
Midway Theatre still shows movies, and the famous venue celebrated its 70th birthday with a screening of “Rear Window” last year.
After the Forest Hills Theatre – which still features a meticulously preserved exterior – was sold, Duane Reade opened in the building. Staples also opened on the building’s second floor, but it closed in 2012.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Forest Hills site will be its second spot in Queens, with the first being located at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
By Anna Gustafson
