By Giovanni Centurione:
From the newly opened Hotel @ The Lafayette, continued progress at Canal Side, and many more, we are starting to see the return of retail in downtown.
Let's start at the new Hotel @ Lafayette with, 'Anatomy' local women's store that just relocated from Elmwood Ave. Owned and operated by Ali Eagen, this is a unique boutique that specializes in custom, made-to-measure garments. If you are in need of a wedding dress or a suit for work, Ali, can custom make any piece to suit your style. Down the hall from Anatomy is 'Woyshner's Flower Shop' (lead image), their 2nd WNY location. Not only do they sell flowers and can decorate for any occasion, they also sell home decor and hand made jewelry. Then there's the incredibly swank and art deco Mike A's Steakhouse, which has already opened (see photos below).
Coming soon to the Hotel @ Lafayette is the home furnishing store, 'ROOM 2', which happens to the be the very store that designed the hotel rooms and lobby, now they will have a showroom and store next to the Washington Street entrance. Opening TBA.
^Lobby and hotel room Hotel @ The Lafayette
Across the street in the Brisbane Building, Hunt Real Estate vacated its first floor corner office for the fourth floor (expansion) and has made its former space 'retail ready' (see more).
Already, the national retailer, 'Edible Arrangements' has signed on to take over a small portion of the first floor facing Lafayette Square. Rumor has it, retailers who couldn't make it into the Lafayette Hotel are interested in space at the Brisbane Building. Can't wait to see who else is moving downtown.
When was the last time we had a candy store that served coffee, cup cakes and other goodies all under one roof on Main Street? 'The Snack Shack' took over a former chocolate shop on the first level of the Main Place Mall and is now becoming a popular hot spot.
Inside the Ellicott Square Building we recently had 'Destination by Lee Powers' a ladies boutique with pet friendly products. The good news is, the store is re-opening this Tuesday, June 12, under a new name, 'Sarah Danielle', will still sell ladies apparel, but with new merchandise and a wider selection.
Now let's head north on Main Street to the 500 block. Remember Arby's or more recently the Grever's Flower shop at 537 Main St.? Well, coming soon, it will be home to a Parisian style restaurant called '@ 537'. It advertises on the window sign that they will be open seven days a week. Great start to attract more people to the city center on Sundays.
In the Theater District, a new boutique is opening very soon, 'Althea's 2nd. Time Around Boutique', located at 653 Main St. This new store will carry everything from jewelry to dresses to hats and all sorts of accessories. Located right next to Mid-Way Jewelers and across from Shea's Buffalo Theatre. With the re-opening of this block of Main Street beginning this Summer, let's hope we see more retailers set up shop in this district.
And for those looking for a facial or a new hair style, check out 'Hair & Body Day Spa' at 700 Main Street that just opened last week in the Theatre District.
^Mike A's Steakhouse
And one last thing, this one is on Chippewa Street... Mighty Taco (see more) is set to open in the former La Luna location on July 9th. I know I can't wait to grab some chicken tacos and chips from them on my lunch break this summer.
If I missed anyone, please let me know, hard to keep track of so many great things happening all at once. More great news for downtown will be coming soon!
^Anatomy
CONFIRMED: DinosaurBBQ is narrowing in on a location in the Theatre District and is close to a deal. The Buffalo location will not be near the water as previously thought. (source - DinoBBQ owner)