Kudos to The Washington Market for figuring out how to make a large, somewhat cold atmosphere, a place where people feel comfortable and want to stick around. Ever since the market opened it has needed help... no real rhyme or reason to the layout... disjointed... and business reflected the design. There were a couple of solid attempts made before this point, but they were quick fixes with no long lasting effect. Finally, the Khoury family (new owners) has gone through and paid attention to the dynamics of the space in order to come up with an interior road map that actually works.
The cafe tables and chairs are now located in the back of the market where the warm brick wall is located. That draws customers far enough into the building in order for them to pass by the groceries - yes there are groceries. The grocery items have been consolidated into one area, which makes the selections look fuller. Towards the front of the cafe are comfy lounge seats where people can sit and work on a laptop while enjoying a cup of coffee. There is an 'openness' about the place that makes it appear bigger, yet the layout is more accommodating.
Even the menu reflects the thoughtful redesign of the interior. There is a section for vegetarians now instead of just a vegetarian special of the day. As I watched the customers, while enjoying a Caprese sandwich, I noticed that they were sticking around to eat instead of walking back to work with a bag in their hands. There was a group having a meeting in the back, a young couple hanging out in the lounge chairs talking, while a couple of people sat to down to eat at the counter in the middle of the aisle - this was later in the afternoon, well after lunch traffic.
There are still improvements to be made, but I think that The Washington Market has come a long way since last speaking to Amy Khoury regarding plans to rethink the layout.
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The cafe tables and chairs are now located in the back of the market where the warm brick wall is located. That draws customers far enough into the building in order for them to pass by the groceries - yes there are groceries. The grocery items have been consolidated into one area, which makes the selections look fuller. Towards the front of the cafe are comfy lounge seats where people can sit and work on a laptop while enjoying a cup of coffee. There is an 'openness' about the place that makes it appear bigger, yet the layout is more accommodating.
Even the menu reflects the thoughtful redesign of the interior. There is a section for vegetarians now instead of just a vegetarian special of the day. As I watched the customers, while enjoying a Caprese sandwich, I noticed that they were sticking around to eat instead of walking back to work with a bag in their hands. There was a group having a meeting in the back, a young couple hanging out in the lounge chairs talking, while a couple of people sat to down to eat at the counter in the middle of the aisle - this was later in the afternoon, well after lunch traffic.
There are still improvements to be made, but I think that The Washington Market has come a long way since last speaking to Amy Khoury regarding plans to rethink the layout.
The Washington Market 461 Ellicott St. Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 362-3181
Wow. The Khoury family really knows what they are doing. Great job!