UPDATE: Buffalo, N.Y. is experiencing a stark contrast this weekend as celebrations collide with alarming struggles in its downtown area. While marquee events like a Paul McCartney concert and performances of “Wicked” attract crowds, the closure of long-standing businesses reveals a troubling reality.
Ted’s Hot Dogs has officially shut its downtown location as of October 24, with signs now visible to passersby. This is just one of many closures that have hit the area, joining the ranks of Chocolate Bar, Bocce Club Pizza, and Dinosaur BBQ, among others. Since 2022, the downtown dining scene has faced significant challenges, with restaurants like Hombre y Lobo Tacos and Tequila openly discussing their struggles amid rising operational costs.
A recent social media post from Hombre y Lobo highlights these difficulties, stating,
“While we are not closing our doors at this time, we are doing everything we can to minimize costs while not lessening the integrity of our brand.”
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been drastic, with estimates suggesting a loss of 20,000 daily visitors to downtown Buffalo.
Despite the festive atmosphere this weekend, with events like the Buffalo Bills home game, downtown business owner Jay Manno of Frankie Primo’s +39 voiced concerns. “If there’s been any issues with the last couple of years, it’s been that there hasn’t been enough events downtown,” Manno stated. He noted that weekends often lack the large events needed to draw in crowds, which leaves many restaurants struggling on Saturday and Sunday nights.
However, there may be hope on the horizon. D’Youville University has announced plans for a downtown medical campus, and tech firm Ingram Micro is set to move into the former Highmark building near the waterfront. Manno remains optimistic, stating, “If there’s one thing about people in Buffalo and this city, it’s that we’re resilient.”
As downtown Buffalo navigates this dual narrative of celebration and struggle, the community watches closely for any signs of recovery. The next few months may reveal whether the influx of events can help breathe new life into the city center or if more businesses will be forced to close their doors. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
