There are a few empty restaurant spaces in Buffalo that have incredible potential. Yet they sit empty waiting for the right proprietor to come up with the right formula. Take the corner of Goodell and Main for example. While some people say that one of the biggest drawbacks to the space is the lack of parking, there is considerable upside to the location - it's remarkable that the place has been sitting empty as of late. Luckily, things are beginning to look up for this corner spot. Restaurateur Jennifer Laban and her partner Jonathan Dentan are in the midst of turning the space into a destination eatery called Kay Dara, specializing in a mostly Southeast Asian profile.
If you're a fan of Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisine, then you're in for a big surprise. Not only will Kay Dara be serving up some highly uncommon Oriental foods, guests will have a choice of six different seating areas. Depending on their mood, patrons will be able to sit at the centrally located 360 degree bar, or if they prefer, seating overlooking the open kitchen or in the far corner with windows looking onto Main Street. An elevated platform is another dining option, or up in the balcony overlooking the Main Floor... there's a seating arrangement upstairs in the lounge and eventually there will be patio tables set up for those looking to eat outside.
There are as many dining areas under one roof as there are culinary offerings being prepared in the open kitchen, and those looking to try various noodle dishes (noodles made in-house), pescetarian delights or the udon or pho, will be able to do so in an ever-changing environement. Kay Dara is also banking on being part stripped-down Asian steakhouse while also catering to the hardcore vegan and vegetarian crowd. Composed seasonal dishes will feature items sourced as locally as possible... and don't be surprised to hear that some of the cooking techniques are taken from the distant cookbook pages of countries that we're vaguely familiar with.
Kay Dara will serve up noodle dishes in the $7-$10 price category. Full on dining sessions will run the gamut. Beers at Kay Dara will consist of select craft beers and Buffalo-friendly domestics. Also, wines from obscure wineries and vodkas that you just can't find at your neighborhood liquor store, along with locally bottled sodas (this one's a surprise), and house made coconut water used in some of the specialty drinks.
The restaurant will offer room service to residents in The Sidway Building - an elevator runs right from the restaurant to each floor. Kay Dara's balcony can be reserved for parties, and off-premise catering will be available. Other notable items of interest include oversized bathrooms - the women's bathroom has a small lounge and stocked cosmetic table. The wallpaper in the bathrooms will be a collage of photos taken of other restaurant bathrooms in Buffalo. There's an old photo booth in the back where people can entertain themselves while waiting to be seated... or they might want to try their hand at a retro Galaga-Space Invaders game.
Table tops are being custom made by various Buffalo artists, and much of the furniture is being commissioned locally. There will be art openings and valet parking (and the Metro Rail runs along this route of course).
As for the right marketing exposure, Kay Dara is planning on utilizing the existing banner poles on The Sidway Building for increased signage, which should help to catch the attention of the passing traffic on Goodell. The owners are hoping to have the restaurant open by the end of July.
Kay Dara
777 Main Street
Sidway Building
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-812-7516
Look at the photos and you see the problem with this space, and why it hasn't been successful.
The dark, first floor glass makes it impossible to see into the space, especially during the day.
No amount of banners and/or signage will be able to overcome this. If this restaurant is going to have a chance, the glass should be replaced with something that is clear.
People want to see other people. That's what helps make for a vibrant, successful space.
I see your point about the windows. The one thing I love about Cantina Loco is the clear windows. You walk by and can see how constantly busy it is. It grabs peoples attention.
I believe the previous restaurant went under and struggled due to service, quality of their dishes, and management. It wasn't the glass. With the correct lighting everyone and anyone will be able to see that Kay Dara is busy and vibrant (looking from outside in). Looking at the first picture above with only natural lighting coming in, you can see just fine into the remodeled space. Again with correct lighting at night this glass type will look clear. Due to the size of the storefront this glass type is need. There are a couple reasons why this tinted reflective glass will help Kay Dara. First and most important.... customers will be more comfortable. They will not have the sun shining in their face, and this high performing glass will block out most of the natural heat from the sunlight entering the restaurant again keeping the customers comfortable and happy. Second... this high performance glass will keep overhead down. Kay Dara will save huge in energy cost. This dark glass also will protect Kay Dara's furniture, floors, bar, and anything the sun's uv can reach.
Also if you know anything about advertising banners and signs are great for marketing and these banners and signs will draw customers in. Why...? because they will see the banners and signs from the road as they drive, walk, or ride by. This restaurant is in a great location and a few pieces of glass will not make or break this restaurant. Kay Dara will win their customers over with outstanding service, quality of food, and excellent management. No one will be thinking about a few pieces of dark glass but one maybe two people. I wish you the best Kay Dara!
All of the benefits you mention regarding the dark tinted glass can be accomplished using curtains. Look at the photographs again, and you will see the problem - you cannot see into the restaurant space from outside.
In order for restaurants and retail spaces to thrive, people need to be able to see into them.
Passers-by want to see activity and excitement. That's not only good for the restaurant, it's good for the street life too.
Installing new glass is not difficult, nor is it too expensive, especially in light of the overall cost of the renovation.
I want this restaurant to be successful. Banners are not going to make much of a difference.
I'm confused... you feel that Kay Dara will not thrive and be successful due to the dark tinted glass. You insist that the glass HAS to be clear so anyone passing by can see in. Whats the point of having curtains? If the curtains are down/closed for the customers to be more comfortable what is the point of having clear glass? Anyone walking, driving, or riding by will not be able to see in anyways. Jay D wants to comment on something looking tacky and cheap... curtains. I would rather have tinted glass then tacky curtains. At lease with the glass you can see in and get the performance that this glass type offers.
So... I want back and looked at the first photo at the top of the page and without zooming in I can see the 2x6 (maybe 2x8) leaning on the glass, part of the bar, far walls, piping and ducks on the ceiling. Thats looking through the glass (not the doors). Looking at the last photo... you are correct you can't see in. But if you cut the trees down and turns some lights on there will not be a problem seeing that Kay Dara is thriving with activity and excitement. But with the build as is you'll be able to see the success.
I'm one of the owners of one of the biggest glass shops for constructions (renovations and new builds), commercial, residential, auto glass, and whole sale in Rochester and up there for the state of New York. Glass is expensive. This would be very costly for Kay Dara to change the glass to clear due to the cost of the glass, taking the glass out of the curtain wall system that the glass sits in and installing the new glass, size of glass, and man power.
Banners and signs often look tacky and cheap
What is with the obsession with this building's dark glass? For a commercial tenant to be viable certain things must be taken into consideration that perhaps are not pleasing to everyone. Did you ever stop to think that by having dark glass on such a huge space, that it can keep air conditioning costs down by a few thousand dollars per year? The black glass on the front is stylish and complements the red terra cotta facade, and even more, keeps people from gawking at those trying to enjoy a meal. Clear glass is what was on the building when it was a commercial office building, and it looked awful. Keep focused on the positive here...that a restaurant is occupying the first floor of this gorgeous building, hopefully adding to a burgeoning block of downtown Buffalo.
What is with the obsession with this building's dark glass? For a commercial tenant to be viable certain things must be taken into consideration that perhaps are not pleasing to everyone. Did you ever stop to think that by having dark glass on such a huge space, that it can keep air conditioning costs down by a few thousand dollars per year? The black glass on the front is stylish and complements the red terra cotta facade, and even more, keeps people from gawking at those trying to enjoy a meal. Clear glass is what was on the building when it was a commercial office building, and it looked awful. Keep focused on the positive here...that a restaurant is occupying the first floor of this gorgeous building, hopefully adding to a burgeoning block of downtown Buffalo.
Before you destroy a new venture perhaps you should try it out. They are open for business right now (take away only until the city can get it's act together and send an inspector round). The food is excellent and the decor is fresh and clean. This area of Buffalo needs support, not naysayers and downers!