Buffalo lovers will be happy to hear that a new t-shirt and apparel shop has opened on Hertel Avenue. Store owner John Hofmann has been in the Buffalo promotion business (in one form or another) for over 40 years. Hofmann and his cohort Cliff Arnold (lead image) have been palling around for decades. Their relationship started way back at Hotel California on Hertel Avenue, where they were both employed. According to Cliff, it was the largest discotheque in the city – a club that Cliff says was absolutely crazy. It was there that their friendship formed – to this day they continue to contribute to the lively spirit of the city. The same thing can’t be said for the discotheque. Unfortunately the building was razed and is now the site of a bland looking retirement home.
For years, John and Cliff embarked upon myriad business adventures, usually together in some capacity. Cliff owned and operated a sports memorabilia store in the Ellicott Square Building for 25 years. John ran one of the first (possibly the original) Buffalo print shops in the 90s, which was located at the corner of Bryant and Elmwood. That’s when John started designing and screen printing his original Buffalo t-shirt designs. At one point, John established another fun Buffalo project that he still runs today. He’s the owner of the Buffalo Bar & Grille on Louisiana Street in the Old First Ward. In fact, behind the establishment is where John does all of his screen printing.
With so much happening on Hertel these days, John, along with his sidekick associate, decided that it was time to set up shop, to introduce a new generation of Buffalonians to some of the oldest Buffalo designs. John is also creating new designs that reflect the ever-changing city. Aside from t-shirts (kids sizes on up), the store stocks crews, sweats, caps, stickers, mugs and event trophies for the ultimate Buffalo lovers. While the storefront is not big by any stretch, there is a ton of merchandise available.
These terrific friends have a ton of stories to tell (pertaining to this city), and they continue to roll out true blue Buffalo projects wherever they go. Stop on in and hear about the tales that inspired the shirts, while learning the ins and out of Buffalo along the way.
1499 Hertel Avenue between Wellington & Sterling
Open holiday hours Wednesday thru Saturday 10-6pm
30 exclusive designs available in store and online