Buffalo’s Food Hall, Bar, and Entertainment Venue
When restaurateur Mark Supples took over the Downtown Bazaar location at 617 Main Street, he did so because he knew that it was of utmost importance to save. Having an operational stable of international cuisine vendors under one roof was just too good to simply let go. The result was International House Buffalo. That was in the spring of 2025.
Whether Supples initially intended to operate International House for the long run or not remains unclear. What is clear is that after a year or so of getting the multicultural food hall back up to speed, he opted to hand it off to another set of operators – Simmone Brown and her husband Des.
Des told me that he received a call from Mark, not too long ago, saying that he felt that Simmone and Des would be his first choice to take over the operation. After careful consideration, that phone call became a prophetic calling card.
“Des bought me the business as a wedding present,” said Simmone [laughing]. “He told me, ‘I have your wedding present figured out.'”
“Mark has been a family friend for years – we had been loyal patrons of his restaurant, Mothers,” added Des. “He was ready to turn International House over. So we got busy, and signed a nine year lease with Sinatra. We got our liquor license last Thursday – the same day as our rehearsal dinner. We got married on Friday. And now we’re off to our honeymoon in Spain.”
It was important to all parties that the food hall not shutter for a moment. There was too much at risk, since it was almost fully occupied. The only real difference – food wise – is that the owner of LA Divina (tacos) vacated, so that she could concentrate on her other restaurant on Delaware Avenue. In its place is Evelina’s Kitchen, owned and operated by Evetta Applewhite. It’s a mix of Caribbean and Southern flavors, along with soups and sandwiches. Others in the vendor line-up are as follows: Soe’s Kitchen (Japanese), Pinoy Boy (Filipino), Abyssinia Ethiopian, Pattaya Street Food, and 617 Main Kitchen & Bar (operated by Simmone and Des).
“We didn’t want to change it too much from the successful business recipe that was already established,” Simmone and Des told me. “Mark will act as an advisor for the time being. The place was just about turnkey. We took out the ping-pong tables in the back and turned the area into a rentable event space for Bills games, special occasions, or even family dinners. Parties can order catering packages from any of the restaurants including the 617 Main bar for drinks and food (like a lychee martini or chicken nuggets with crème fraîche and caviar).”
When I asked the couple if they had any new ideas for drumming up business, they eagerly nodded, yes. “We’re going to have corporate happy hours and catering packages, late nights for theater groups, comedy shows, live music, and spoken word. We will give theatergoers special cocktails if they show up with their playbills. We’ve asked our vendors to have extended hours. Our bar will have a late night menu. There will be fun offerings like The Girl Dinner – a salad and a side of fries, and DJ nights, industry nights, and Sunday brunches too.”
Along with operating 617 Main, Simmone owns her own payroll company. As for Des, he owns his own security company. He’s also spent time in the Marine Corps and is retired (due to an injury) from the Buffalo Fire and Police. Therefore, the couple will be offering discounts to first responders and military personnel.
Simmone and Des are both from Buffalo and feel that they are now doing their part to add something great to the heart of downtown. They are excited to generate a new energy and vibe for the Theater District. The goal is to infuse 617 Main with some 716 Soul.
“Mark was passionate about keeping the place open,” said Des. “He did his job. Now, we’re ready for the next chapter, with incredible offerings of international cuisine, longer hours, and lots more reasons to visit downtown. We’re dedicated to this concept, and we’ve assembled a seasoned team to help us make 617 Main a household name in Buffalo.”
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