Just Fries opened today, at long last. After threatening opening a number of times, the take-out fry enterprise never managed to lift off the runway. In the meantime, owner/operators Don Warfe and John Volpé decided to concentrate on the opening of Jerk’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream, which appears to have been a smart move due to the constant flow of traffic that is generated by the parlor.

Now it’s Just Fries time to get a piece of the action. Fry lovers can now stop in and pick up an order, along with their favorite toppings. The menu features a bevy of choices, including beef on weck, Buffalo chicken, vegan delight, cheese fries, and souvlaki. Customers can also get sweet potato selections, and air fries (healthier) for an upcharge. There are also poutine and daily soup selections. To wash everything down, Just Fries offers a choice of three shakes or WNY’s own Johnny Ryan Soda.

Not only is it nice to see another business open up on Genesee (Roosevelt Plaza), it’s also great to see this set of buildings finally being uncovered, fixed up and occupied. The area is a major puzzle piece to downtown’s revival – between Fountain Plaza and Roosevelt Plaza, the stretch of Main Street is very inviting. Hopefully the added concentration of businesses will warrant some summer events to set up at either location, but I’m sure that will come in time.

Just Fries | 9 Genesee Street | Buffalo, NY | (716) 517-5300 | Facebook

Photo: Building owner and architect Steve Carmina steps up to the counter