By Kate Bartlett
Recently, Mill St Sports Pub was officially approved to be a Bills Backer Bar. Their application was approved by the Buffalo Bills as the establishment meets the criteria for a Bills Backer Chapter. Mill St Sports Pub has been known as ‘the place to watch the game’ for locals and visitors alike, and this accreditation adds an extra element of excitement.
Co-owners Brenda Smith and Audrey Snow have worked at the establishment for several years, including back when it was Finnerty’s. When the bar was open to new ownership, the pair decided to go into business together and became partners in owning and managing Mill St Sports Pub. “Finnerty’s was always known for it’s fun energy with good beer and good friends,” explains Brenda. “We wanted to carry on this tradition. Our vision is for Mill St to be a fun place for the community to gather, and of course watch the game.”
officially recognizes Mill St Sports Pub as a Bills Fan Meeting
Spot.
It was a natural progression once the duo became owners. “We decided on the name pretty easily, because that’s what we are, a Sports Pub,” explains Brenda. They designed the logo together and had a similar vision on what they wanted the establishment to encompass; and they both wanted it to be a Bills Backer Bar.
They began applying about a year ago, when they took ownership on December 26, 2024. “We attempted to apply as often as possible, every 2 weeks for almost a year,” explains Audrey. Finally, the website allowed them to apply this past September, and they were approved a few weeks later. In October 2025, Mill St Sports Pub officially became a Bills Backer Bar.
This accreditation is significant to the establishment, as it officially recognizes Mill St Sports Pub as a Bills Fan Meeting Spot. “It puts us on the map as a place to gather and celebrate our Buffalo Bills,” explains Audrey. “We are so excited for this season, and to welcome Bills fans near and far to our restaurant.”
While the criteria is not specifically defined, in order to become a Bills Backer bar, the establishment must show a strong fan presence, provide a passionate atmosphere for fans and an experience centered around game-day gatherings. Mill St fit checked all the boxes.
There are over 600 Bills Backer bars in the United States and internationally, with official groups in 42 states, over 100 in New York State and dozens in Western New York. However, there are no other Bills Backer bars in the Ellicottville area, with the closest being in Erie, PA, Hornell and of course, Buffalo, NY.
When asked if there’ll be a big party, Audrey replied “We always go big! We go big every game.” However, during the Bills game on November 9 vs Miami Dolphins, Mill St will have an official celebration with prizes, giveaways, guest bartender and music before and after the 1pm game.
Mill St Sports Pub offers a full menu and bar for those to gather during the game, or anytime, including homestyle comfort food and pub fare like chicken wings, pizza, Beef on Weck, and rotating Irish Specials like Shepard’s Pie and Guinness Stew.
Audrey and Brenda are very proud of this accreditation and excited to see what this chapter holds. “We are thrilled to celebrate our Buffalo Bills and gather fans together.”
For more information, follow Mill St Sports Pub on Facebook, call (716) 699-1011 and visit at 2 Mill Street in Ellicottville. For more information on Bills Backer Bars visit BuffaloBills.com.