Buffalo's popular West Side Bazaar, an incubator for immigrant and refugee-run businesses, is moving from its current home on Grant Street to a larger space on Niagara Street.
Westminster Economic Development Initiative, which operates the bazaar, says the new space at 1432 Niagara Street is three times larger than the current location at 25 Grant Street.
The bazaar, which opened in 2011, features ethnic eateries and retailers run by immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs. WEDI says the move will allow for more businesses to participate and provides space for community resources and events. There will be more seating for diners and upgraded kitchens for restaurants.
“We’re thrilled about this development and are looking forward to transforming a vacant building into a destination for the West Side community,” said WEDI Executive Director Carolynn Welch, in a statement. “We hope the new Bazaar will help spur more development on Niagara Street. Moreover, it will continue to give low-income and refugee entrepreneurs the opportunity to own and operate a business in our City.”
Welch adds that while the Bazaar has served as an anchor in the Grant Street business district, other businesses have flourished. She expressed confidence that the neighborhood will continue its recevelopment and growth after they're gone.
"Other small businesses have benefitted and other small businesses on Grant Street now have a following," she said. "I honestly see Grant Street growing Elmwood and Hertel over the next few years. We're already halfway there."
The new location is expected to open in the spring of 2021.
