The City of Buffalo is ready to wine and dine. The latest numbers from Business First show how 38 new restaurants and bars are open or will soon open in the central business district. That's dozens of new options in just months from Downtown to Larkvinville.
Developer Howard Zemsky, who brought the Larkin District to life, says the goal is to create a great place for people to live and work and to attract more young people.
Zemksy's son Harry is now running Hydraulic Hearth, at 716 Swan Street, across from Larkin Square.
The newest Larkin concept features house cocktails, artisan pizza and Zemsky is tapping into the craft beer craze, by teaming up with Community Beer Works.
"They are going to open a brewery for us so I don't have to learn a new trade," Zemsky said. "What they brew here will only be sold here or across the street for our events."
Zemsky is also teaming up with area farmers like Prudom Farms, along with Buffalo's Breadhive Cooperative Bakery.
The teamwork with other businesses can be a recipe for successful partnerships that can also pay off with customers who are looking for locally-sourced products at area restaurants.
According to the National Restaurant Association, that's one of the hottest trends right now.
And, Zemsky says, he incorporates another important ingredient, "It's about growing the neighborhood and historic preservation has been a huge key to our success."
