BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Many restaurants are looking for new ways to make money this year and at the same time, a lot of people are searching for ways to feel festive this holiday season. Coco Bistro on Main Street in Buffalo found a way to make everyone happy.
"People love it and they’re thanking us for giving them some happiness. We’re happy to do it, it gives us something to do because otherwise I don’t know what we would be doing,” said Maura Crawford, owner of Coco.
She she adapted her business had this chalet made to bring a mini french-themed Christmas market feel Buffalo with her Crêpe Chalet. Crawford came up with the idea over the summer while at the Sunflowers of Sanborn, as a way to stay afloat through the winter.
“It’s festive. It’s fitting for the season and COVID," said Matthew Wells who lives nearby and grabs food often.
They offer seven sweet and seven savory crêpes, mulled wine, hot cocoa and more.
"My favorite are the sweet and simple and the raspberry beret," said Wells.
It's been a hit and luckily so. Crawford says without this idea, she doesn't think her business would have survived.
"I don’t there hasn’t been enough aid. Takeout is good, but it can’t sustain a business like ours. This has been amazing and such a surprise, it’s so overwhelming," said Crawford.
Customers say it's brought more foot traffic to Main Street. While lines can get long, they say it's nice to see so many people enjoying a local treat.
"We’ve had a lot of local restaurants close down because of COVID restrictions and they’ve been able to use the chalet to serve people outside so it’s been really nice," said Wells.
They have vendors who set up and sell breads at the chalet and blankets to keep you warm while you enjoy. They're also using this as an opportunity to give back, by collecting donations for the food bank.
And it's all socially distanced and COVID friendly.
"There is a feel of holiday togetherness that I think a lot of people in this interesting time are craving and we’re doing it in a way where everyone is staying safe," said Daniel Cherniske, who works there.
You can stop by the Crêpe Chalet Wednesday through Saturday, 12-8pm and Sunday 12-6pm. And it's not just for the holidays, Crawford says the chalet is here to stay through the spring.
