While it might not be as famous as NYC or LA, Buffalo is, without a doubt, one of the best cities in North America when it comes to food culture and culinary diversity.
As a big (but not too big) city, Buffalo is brimming with opportunities for entrepreneurs and restauranters. However, it’s also a unique market – one that brings special considerations.
If you’re thinking about opening a restaurant in Western New York, we’ve got three compelling reasons why you should set your sights on business opportunities in Buffalo.
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A City of Staples
When it comes to food, Buffalo is a city of staples. However, unlike other culinary hubs, the city isn’t limited to just one or two local favourites. Instead, you’ll find a healthy variety of beloved dishes across town, including beef on weck, Central European classics like pierogies and kielbasa, and hearty sub-style sandwiches such as the Stinger or Fish Fry.
Like Toronto, this culinary diversity opens up a world of opportunities for restaurateurs. Whatever you’re looking to serve up, you’ll find a place to carve out your niche in Buffalo.
Special Considerations:
Be mindful of saturation. While you can open any kind of restaurant you want, it’s a good idea to do your research and be selective in where you set up.
Looking to open a restaurant? Explore these related resources for more advice.
- How Long Does it Take to Build a Business?
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Not Just Buffalo Wings
Of course, no article about Buffalo’s culinary scene is complete without a nod to wings, which not only take their name from the city but were invented here too. As the legend goes, in 1964, a bartender at Anchor Bar, a local pub, asked his mother to whip up something for his hungry friends who had stopped by for a visit. What started as simple creativity soon became an international sensation.
Special Considerations:
If you’re looking to serve buffalo wings in Buffalo, you better bring your A-game. Buffalonians love their chicken wings, and they can be picky!
A Love of Local
Another great reason to open a restaurant in Buffalo is the local spirit. Put simply, Buffalonians love Buffalo. If you don’t believe us, visit the city during football or hockey season!
This passion extends to dining out and supporting local businesses. If you open a restaurant in Buffalo, you’ll have a great chance of becoming a local staple yourself.
Special Considerations:
While some locals love to try out new spots, others will stick to their favourites. When the time comes, you’ll want to have a solid plan for establishing yourself and your restaurant. This includes traditional marketing and getting out in the community.
Considering other markets for your restaurant business? You might like these related blogs!
- How to Open a Coffee Shop in Toronto
- Why You Should Open a Restaurant in London, Ontario
- 5 Reasons to Open a Restaurant in Markham
Perks of the Market
Starting a restaurant is famously tough – especially in a major metropolitan area. While plenty of eateries find quick success and steadily build a legacy over many years or generations, others fizzle out in the first few months.
Buffalo is a big city in some respects, home to a little more than one million people in the greater Buffalo-Niagara Falls region – but it’s still smaller than places like Toronto or NYC. This gives you the benefits of a sizeable and thriving restaurant scene without the drawbacks of operating in a major cosmopolitan market.
Opening a restaurant in a highly populated hub is exciting, but it’s not without its challenges. For example, commercial real estate, whether you intend to buy or lease, will come at a premium in big cities. Comparatively speaking, Buffalo is more affordable. The same thing goes for your other operating costs – especially labour.
Special Considerations:
Depending on the state of the market, opening a restaurant in a major city can bring the benefit of selection. However, in a smaller city like Buffalo, inventory will be slightly more limited. This doesn’t mean you won’t find the perfect place for your restaurant, but it will require being strategic in your search.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’ve been dreaming of opening your own restaurant, there’s no place like Buffalo to bring your vision to life. That said, you’ll want to work with a dedicated restaurant real estate team that understands the unique landscape of Western New York – that’s where we can help.
As professional specialists, we know the unique ins and outs of commercial real estate and Buffalo’s restaurant industry. Not only can we help you find the perfect spot to bring your dreams to fruition, but we’ll also serve as your long-term advisor on all things restaurant-related.
Looking to open a restaurant in Buffalo (or elsewhere)? We can help! Send us an email or give us a ring at 416-618-0054 to get in touch.
