The Place Restaurant will be closing its doors this Saturday. Owner Kenny Moriarty will be leaving Buffalo to join his family in Florida. It is with heavy heart that the decision has been made, but ultimately family trumps business (or at least it should). According to Moriarty, there has already been heavy interest in the location, from a local developer (intentions unknown) to a party that would operate the building as a restaurant.

This news is bitter-sweet for anyone who has frequented The Place and knows the owner and the history of the building. After remodeling a couple of years back, customers felt as if they had secured the establishment for another longterm run. Despite his love for Buffalo, his restaurant and his customers, Moriarty sorely misses his family and has made the decision to join up with them out of town.

It’s hard to believe that after closing (years ago), then remodeling and reopening… and the countless years of being recognized as a Buffalo institution, Kenny and The Place will be packing up and heading out. At least he got a chance to stick around to see this city’s rebirth. He will be leaving this city with his head held high, knowing that he stuck it out through thick and thin. He’s also leaving at the top of his game, which is something to say about his integrity.

My family and I, along with a good faction of Buffalo, wish him the best in his adventures. See you Saturday my friend.