EVA Conducts 'Consumer Needs' Survey

I still say that a Guercio's branch would prosper on Elmwood.

The only sporting goods store that I can think of that would be a good fit is Laux. Their stores seem to be just the right size for EV, but now that I think of it the only time I've seen them is in a mall(correct me if I'm wrong) so it might be be in their business model to open a store on the street.

I've been saying forever we need more sports stores in the City, I'd love to see an REI, but for Elmwood a Play-it-again (Reuse)type would probably do well.

Hardware, could be good but I just go to Dibbles or see Sam at Chi-Chis on Grant. Which last I heard he was thinking of retiring so anyone interested should talk to him about taking over.

Seems like an appropriately sized good public market would be a good way to accommodate demand (?) for these very niche grocers. Otherwise the EV will have to continue to stumble forward without its own fromagerie.

A very sad fate, indeed.

A good ol'fashion donut shop....Paula's II maybe?

Now all they need are landlords that don't charge ridiculous amounts of rent so the businesses' can open and survive.

there was a Fleet Feet in EV but they needed better space to draw more customers, and that seems to be the problem for any retailers that desire to do some volume. The EV seems set up for small boutique-ish stores but limited access makes it a difficult for more substantial operators.

SenecaFire, you beat me to it.

This is easy, I wish I knew about the survey....What would be great? Full service BAKERY, BUTCHER, Steak house, Hardware store, maybe a coop concept...family friendly eating establishment where you can go with a large family and have fun....

I loved the Elmwood Village when I lived there but the comments here are exactly the reason why I believe that the Hertel strip has a much better chance at long term prosperity than Elmwood. Larger storefronts mixed with smaller storefronts, easier access for cars but with walkability for local residents and for now, lower rents.

What the EVA should be focusing on is ridding itself- once and for all- of Don Leone. He is a slumlord, he charges outrageous rents, and he controls too much of the strip itself. Currently, he owns 752, 818, 820, 976, 982, 1006, 1010, 1017, 1020, 1091. He also owns a majority of the properties on Potomac, closest to Elmwood. Write down these addresses, and take a look at these properties next time you are walking around Elmwood. This man should have been run out of town years ago. I have never understood why the EVA doesn't focus more on ridding itself of people like him who drive up rents for everyone else and contribute to blight in one of the most desired neighborhoods in the city.

I'm not disagreeing with you but how will the EVA rid itself of someone who rightfully owns property? Do they have control over any zoning rules in the area or anything else to force him to keep up his properties? The city's sure not going to help.

Zoning in EV limits the size of retail businesses, with the intent is to keep chains out. however, this prevents the expansion of local businesses. Good architectural and site design standards, and restrictions on off-street parking, can also keep the big boxes away, while still permitting existing businesses to expand, and some chains with larger-than-boutique-sized but still not overwhelmingly large stores, which don't have inflexible site selection requirements (American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, franchised independent hardware stores, etc) to set up shop in the city.

Form AND function, folks.

Despite the survey, I fear EV will continue to see more of the same. Does EV really need another Greek or Italian restaurant, day spa, yoga studio, or purse boutique? I know it's up to the market to decide, but still ...

The issue is just that Dan, this survey is nice to see but in the end it seems they will let anyone set up shop on elmwood just as long as they have a deposit...Its all B.S. on their part; I know its extremely difficult to lease space on elmwood at the rates they are but it really is a joke.....

you guys will think I'm crazy but I could woudn't mind seeing a small Applebees or Red Lobster somewhere around Elmwood. Those chains have good food and it would draw people in who might be afraid of trying something new. Other than that maybe more good pizza places, in Buffalo you cant have to many of those.

Is MODE closed? and if so can someone find a restauranteur who likes the idea of a cool steak joint and bar

bring in Moe's...it's better than ETS or Jim's..the place would be packed

Applebees and Red Lobster do not have good food. I can't believe I just read that. Red Lobster is frozen seafood drowned in salt and Applebees is, well, Applebees.

It's so obvious what's missing from EVA--does there really need to be a survey? LEt's see--a full service grocery store (not a Price Right type), someplace to buy regular underwear, socks and jeans, a hardware store, something akin to an Office Max, and in general, stores that are not boutiques with boutique prices. Too many Buffalonians can't buy an $80 purse or $50 t-shirt. I'm not making up these prices either, this is what really is sold in EVA at most stores. I'm not trying to hate on the pre-existing stores, I do shop at them and enjoy the things I've purchased. I'm just saying that we need more variety and less gifty-type stores.

Elmwood needs an extremely high quality soul food and Hispanic food resturant.

There aren't many buildings in the EV large enough to house anything that's in the suburbs. The only one I can think of is Price Rite (which I was hoping would become a Dash's after Latinas closed).

I am not neither Black or Hispanic ( I was born in Italy).
I just love Soul food and Hispanic food. Does the demographic has to match the food?

when i first moved here there was a shoe repair shop on elmwood. i wish we still had it.

oh, and ditto the soul or hispanic food restaurant. give me a vegetarian dish or two and i'll eat anywhere.

Jimmy's shoe repair at Hertel and Wellington Jim does a great job.