After a three-project hiatus in North Buffalo, Rocco Termini is heading back downtown for his next project – a restaurant utilizing cargo containers for a small parcel at 128 Genesee Street. It not only marks a return to downtown for Termini, the project is also located on the same block where his first downtown projects– Ellicott Lofts, Ellicott Commons and IS Lofts – are located.
Termini purchased the vacant property from the City in October for $2,000. Like nearby Tappo Restaurant on Ellicott Street, the Genesee Street venue will be run by Mike Andrzejewski.
Preliminary plans call for the restaurant to have two stories with a second-level patio overlooking Genesee Street and sidewalk seating. Dining is expected to be fast/casual serving gourmet, flame charred hot dogs and other grilled items.
The new restaurant is at the edge of the Theater and Chippewa districts, just two blocks from Main Street and a short walk from several downtown residential projects. It is also located across from Genesee Gateway and the Catholic Health Administrative Center now under construction at Genesee and Oak streets. City plans for streetscape work along Genesee Street have been delayed but are said to still be alive.
BMS Design and Schenne & Associates are designing the project. If approved by the Planning Board this week, the restaurant is expected to be open this summer.