When Prima Pizza closed its doors at 51 W Chippewa Street earlier this year, people wondered what would happen with the high profile corner location. Prima Pizza had been a staple Chippewa business for 45 years. It was assumed that a similar type of business would take over the space, which is exactly what has happened. Instead of pizza, this time around it’s submarine sandwiches and a bodega.
Over the weekend, I paid a visit to Buffalo Bodega Subs, to take a look around, and to order a sub. I’ve been on the hunt for a good sub in this neck of the woods.
In the front of Buffalo Bodega Subs, it’s a bodega, filled with all sorts of sundries that you would come across at your typical convenience store. In the back is the sub-making operation. I was happy to see that they had a deli meat slicer, which meant that they shave the slices to order. Upon ordering a turkey sub, the attendant behind the counter placed the sub roll in an restaurant grade toaster – the kind with a “conveyor belt,” which meant that the roll was perfectly toasted. I knew that between the slicer, the toaster, and the Boar’s Head turkey, I was going to be pleased with my lunch.
As I waited for my food to be prepared, I inquired about the business. I was told that the owner of Buffalo Bodega Subs is the same owner as Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill, which has over ten locations throughout WNY, with additional locations in Rochester and Syracuse. One of their newest locations is at 2350 Delaware Avenue at the corner of Hertel, in north Buffalo.
The Buffalo Bodega Subs on Chippewa appears to be the company’s first “bodega” location. The business does fulfill a need on the street. Aside from subs and soups (there is a soup counter), the shop offers up day-today conveniences that wouldn’t otherwise be available on the street.
With a solid sub, sundries and conveniences, a tidy shop, and a friendly staff, Buffalo Bodega Subs is a nice addition to Chippewa.
Buffalo Bodega Subs | 396 Pearl Street @ Chippewa | Buffalo, NY 14202 | (716) 864-1200 | Menu