Author: Jessica Marinelli

Exciting news, especially for Kenmore residents – we’ve got an initial look at the new Sinatra’s restaurant to be built on Kenmore Avenue. This beloved family-owned and operated restaurant will be staying put for another 30+ years thanks to Sinatra & Co. Real Estate and the Sinatra family. A modern multi-use three story building will feature Sinatra’s restaurant on the first floor and 22 one to two bedroom apartments on the second and third floors.

The new 2,000 sq ft restaurant will accommodate 150 guests (previously 85). Sinatra’s will also have a private dining room (1,580 sq ft) with a bar and patio attached that will be available for special events. The private dining space will host 100-120 guests. It was important to the Sinatra family to maintain the same charm and coziness of the old restaurant. The dining room will have seating tucked away in nooks, and the ambience will be warm and cozy. The kitchen will have all the modern cooking amenities thanks to Buffalo Hotel Supply.

My father had always dreamed of expanding the restaurant.

Nick Sinatra bought the vacant lot across the street in 2009, “It was my first purchase out of Business School. I bought the lot at a foreclosure auction. My father had always dreamed of expanding the restaurant. Last year, at thanksgiving dinner, we decided it was the right time for us.” A complicated project, the property was designated a brownfield and required approval and permits from multiple municipalities, the City of Buffalo, Kenmore, and Erie County, as well as the DEC. Sinatra said that although the project took a lot of coordination and planning, “We’ve got a great relationship with all the parties and agencies involved. Everyone stepped up and came together. Working in Buffalo just gets better every year.”

At this point the projected price tag is approximately $4 million. Sinatra also noted, “We are keeping the original location open throughout the transition. We are not going to close, that’s very important to us.” Eventually, the plan is to demolish the old building, and put in additional parking and green space. Hopefully, Sinatra & Co.’s investment and design will be a catalyst for change on Kenmore Ave, which is in much need of redevelopment. The additional green space will be a welcome change, as well.

As for the restaurant, “My brother and father are still cooking. The other day when I stopped in, Mike’s making meatballs, mom’s cleaning when the phone rings. So I answered, and took a reservation for that night.” The Sinatra family is dedicated to maintaining the same high-quality dining experience – just new space and room for more people at the table.

The building will be complete by late summer 2017.