If you stop by the Washington Market, you may notice some changes taking place. The market was recently sold to Victor Khoury, West Seneca café and bakery owner, who intends to bring a different look and feel to the market. Actually Victor is going to town when it comes to the offerings as well. Next week he is bringing in an architect who will offer some layout suggestions. In the meantime there will be a strong focus on the café and grocery aspect of the business.
Victor wants to bring back shoppers who may have stopped going to the market. It is his intention to make the Washington Market as customer-friendly as possible. That means that he and his daughter Amy are looking for advice from current and past customers. They would like to know what sort of items would draw you to the market on a regular basis. At this point anything is possible. Victor is hoping to hear from the urban dwellers and downtown workers alike. How many different types of bread do you need? How important is it to have local goods and produce? What are some brand name items that you would go out of your way to buy? Are you looking for something organic or inexpensive? Are prepared foods more up you alley? What do you care most about? This is the time to help… give input and help to create your downtown market.
Work has already begun on consolidating electrical appliances to save on the current exorbitant costs. While they are changing things around, you can tell the new owners what worked at the Washington Market and what did not. What did you think about the overall layout? What about customer service? Parking issues? Is the market bike friendly? What hours would you like to see them open and close? The better the market is, the more people will come to it. This is just another opportunity to turn Ellicott Street into a popular urban destination.
Update: There is a May 1st target date for the new café, plus the owners will be adding wireless internet. They have also acquired an eight spot parking lot adjacent to the building.
Washington Market 461 Ellicott St. Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 362-3181