KENMORE, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Niagara Aquarium Pet Store says after almost 80 years in business it will be closing its doors at the end of September.
The store was founded by George Szabo in the 1940s and operated out of his home on the corner of Niagara Street and Royal Avenue until it moved to its current location at 1345 Military Road in Kenmore in 1952.
“My Dad George instilled the love of fish keeping for many generations," said John Szabo, Owner of Niagara Aquarium Pet Store. "People still come into the store to share stories about my Dad. Customers say that they were introduced to the fish hobby by their parents who brought them into the store as a child and now five generations have come into the store."
The store says people still mention George's famous collection of pets that would freely roam the store including OJ the crow, Rocky the Parrot and Petunia the skunk.
John joined his father George in running daily operations starting in 1988. After George's passing in 2011 John and Becky Szabo took over to continue to the family tradition. John continues to operate the store with his children Emily, Nicholas and Benjamin.
On September 5 the store will hold a goodbye party to celebrate and thank its valued customers at the Military Road location from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The store will officially close the last weekend of September.
