Restaurateur Dave Forness, former owner of The Buffalo House and Hemingway’s, is underway with the opening of a tavern located at 199 Allen Street (corner of Elmwood in the recently closed Gelsey’s Fashion storefront). I spoke to Dave yesterday who told me that the establishment would have a similar look and feel to The Buffalo House, with many of the ornamental displays being repurposed for his new venture. He is hoping that The City allows him to install a char-broiler behind the bar, so that he can serve up hamburgers, chicken fingers and similar style bar food. If he does not get the OK for the char-broiler he is still planning on serving panini sandwiches and the like.
As for the interior, Dave has removed all of the plaster from the walls, exposing the original brickwork. He has restored the old tin ceilings and is in the process of sanding the wood-planked floors. A long bar will stretch the length of the space, and booths will be installed in the front as well as along the eastern wall. There will be a full liquor license and two flat screens behind the bar. The only unknown remaining is the name. Dave has not even begun to think about naming the place. He told me that he is open to suggestions.