New eatery wings its way to you

By DAVID W. HILL
dhill@modbee.com

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Teresa Costa knows plenty about making food products. For years, she worked at plants throughout the Northern San Joaquin Valley, including Kraft Foods in Ceres. But Costa wanted to be her own boss and hit the Internet to research her food business options.

The one that got her attention and, ultimately, her financing promised a diverse menu and entertaining concept. It was just the sort of hot combination Costa believed would send food lovers stampeding to the doors of her new Modesto restaurant -- Buffalo Wings & Rings.

The national franchise's 31st outlet is at 3020 Floyd Ave., Suite 601, on the northeast side of Village One Plaza. The new shopping center at Floyd and Roselle avenues also

is home to a Raley's state-of-the art supermarket and several other businesses that serve the underserved northeast Modesto neighborhood.

Buffalo Wings & Rings features a wide range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers, including buffalo popcorn shrimp, mini corn dogs, curly-q fries, garlic fries, nachos, Texas-style chili, chicken tender salad, pulled pork sandwich, chicken tender wrap and super gyros. The list of burger options is long and varied, from a basic quarter-pounder and barbecue to blue cheese and Cajun.

But it's the signature buffalo wings and chicken tenders that can get customers fired up, especially since they can pick from mild, medium, hot, extra hot and atomic temps. Wings and tenders come with a choice of sauces, from original and roasted garlic to lemon pepper and one that's simply called "crazy." And, of course, Costa and crew serve up lots of hot, crispy onion rings.

Customers will find a family friendly atmosphere where they can lounge in the main dining area or the outlet's cozy bar -- beer and wine only. Strategically placed throughout the restaurant are nine large flat-screen TVs. There's even a 60-inch plasma TV for those trying to focus from behind platters of steamin' wings, rings and things.

So far, her decision to launch her own business is paying off, according to Costa. Heck, what's not to like: She's running her own show and making it go. Corralling her share of the V-1 (Village One) crowd just goes to prove that Buffalo Wings (& Rings) will fly in the valley. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. For more information,

call 551-9464 or go to www.buffalowingsandrings.

com.

Elsewhere on the Business Beat:

What is it: Special Days Bridal at 3250 Dale Road, Suite G, in Modesto. It's next to Trader Joe's. Special Days recently moved from 3330 Oakdale Road in Modesto. Phone,

551-3297. Web site, www.specialdaysbridal.com.

What it does: Special Days carries bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses, prom gowns, evening wear and tuxedo rentals. Accessories such as jewelry, shoes, tiaras, veils and undergarments also are available. Designer brands include Maggie Sottero, Mon Cheri, Casablanca, Allure, Alfred Angelo, Exclusives and Aurora.

Who runs it: Keith and Stephanie Farish, a husband-wife team, are the owners. Special Days has been open for 22 years and moved to its new location in January. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday,

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.

What makes it special: Special Days has a large selection of gowns.

What is it: Woodpushers Board Shop at 3105 Sierra St. in Riverbank. It's at First and Sierra streets, one block from the Riverbank Skate Park. Phone, 863-9788.

What it does: Woodpushers sells skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, hoodies, T-shirts, jeans, shoes, beanies, backpacks, wallets, DVDs and stickers.

Who runs it: LaDonna Asseng and her father, Gary Edmiston, are the owners. Woodpushers opened Feb. 16. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week with extended hours during the summer.

What makes it special: Woodpushers has a big-screen TV and couch where kids can play Xbox games or watch DVDs on skateboarding.

Compiled by Jillian Hanks, Bee newsroom assistant