By Carrie Brenner

In the early 90s, Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck was a floundering restaurant chain with about 35 locations. Founded by a couple of Buffalo wings devotees who had a great concept but not a lot of restaurant experience, the business was losing money fast. Enter Sally Smith. Smith, an accountant, joined the company in 1994 and set to work, reorganizing the failing franchise and tackling its wayward bookkeeping. She established its HR, finance, and marketing departments, raised equity for expansion, and even renamed the chain Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar. Just two years in, Smith became the company's CEO. And in 2004 -- a decade after Smith started -- the franchise opened its 300th store.

Each location is a casual restaurant and sports bar that features big-screen TVs, interactive trivia, and a full menu. "Over time, we've expanded the menu to include a wide range of offerings, including burgers, salads, wraps, and many other items, which has allowed us to appeal to a large [range] of guests," says Smith. The menu is also more affordable than typical fare at other restaurants. Customers order at the counter and then the food is brought to their table.