Yesterday I received a call from the owner of the Jimmy Mac’s building who wanted to discuss the restaurant climate on Elmwood Avenue. With the addition of The Wine Thief, the selling of Off the Wall, the opening of Bel Cibo, the closing of the Elmwood Bagel & Sandwich Shoppe, the future growth plans of Pano’s, the re-opening of Sahara, and the expansion of Elmwood Taco and Subs… there’s a lot of action on the street right now. I’ve had numerous conversations (as has YUM’s Christa Seychew) regarding the restaurant openings and closings on the street. I would say that it’s survival of the fittest, and only the strong succeed in the end (for the most part). The Jimmy Mac’s space is a hi-profile, turnkey location. The owner is looking for someone with a good idea and some quality restaurant experience.
As we spoke about Elmwood, my mind began to drift to Toronto. I though about Queen Street and the numerous eateries that abound there. I also thought about the Canadian dollar and how Buffalo is seeing such an economic benefit due to the soaring Loonie. A friend of mine was in Toronto recently and she was speaking with a waiter who told her that he was purchasing a property in Buffalo. So why not a business? I mentioned to the owner of Jimmy Mac’s that he should consider marketing his restaurant space in the Toronto market. Why not? What sort of limitations are placed on Canadians who are looking to own businesses in the states? With the dollar exchange the way it is these days, I would imagine that a Canadian restaurateur might want to look at an opportunity in The States. I know that the lease rates on streets like Queen are astronomical… so why not take a chance in a city (Buffalo) that appreciates great food?
A few minutes after I hung up the phone, an email came through with a link to Craig’s List in Toronto (it’s free). As easy as that, Jimmy Mac’s was being marketed in a close cosmopolitan city. Will it work? Who knows? But as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I asked the owner of the building to keep me in the loop. It’s kinda like fishing… some people like to fish at their favorite spot over and over. Other people like to jump in a boat and test out the waters. Let’s see what the Canadian waters are like.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com