On a recent visit downtown, I felt compelled to stop by a favorite neighborhood lunch spot, Ferais @ The Market Arcade, and have a few words with owner Sue Priamo. I wanted to offer her an opportunity to talk about her recent letter in the BNews in response to a 2/20 article by Mary Kunz Goldman entitled, iTime is on the side of Arcade rebirth.i
Sueis response to the article included the following:
iIn June 1999, I opened Fera’s Restaurant in the complex. Since that time, we have expanded in the building twice. My business continues to grow, fueled not only by tenants of the complex, but by many visitors from other buildings in the area. The Visitor Center, CVB, Landmark Society, CEPA and other tenants attract numerous individuals (locals and tourists) who are amazed by the beauty and architecture of the building.
I disagree with the local realty expert (James Militello of J.R. Militello Realty who was involved in the buildingsi restoration) who claimed, “it’s not too functional.” I invite him and Goldman to take the Metro Rail to the Arcade, walk around during lunch time, talk to some of the tenants, look up at the Atrium ceiling and give thanks to the city and all the people who helped renovate and preserve this architectural gem.i
One can hardly argue that the Market Arcade is not indeed a igem.i The open 3-story center Atrium, which runs the entire block with entrances on both Washington & Main Sts., is drenched in beautiful sunlight from the above skylight. Itis here that small bistro tables are placed among ficus trees for the patrons of Ferais to enjoy a sunny, delicious lunch on these cold Buffalo days.
The day I visited Sue at Ferais happened to be Ash Wednesday. It was a very busy day downtown, with people visiting St Michaelis church on Washington, and then walking through the Market Arcade Atrium to visit Main St.. Many people stopped for a lunch at Ferais. The tables in the restaurant itself, as well as the skylit Atrium bistro tables, were occupied by workers and visitors alike. I must have noticed at least six of iBuffalois finesti stopping in for take-out. Ferais menu is quite diverse, breakfast from 8AM-10AM, andlunch thereafter, which includes subs, salads, wraps, soups and other items which are individually prepared. The line went surprisingly quickly. I had a delicious minestrone soup that was the perfect ilittle somethingi on a very cold day.
Sue and I visited under the magnificent skylight, over coffee. She was kind enough to share her thoughts on being a downtown business owner and the Market Arcade building, with BROnline readers.
Sue said that indeed there had been “a steady stream of people that day, but actually, her lunch crowd has been great since she opened the doors in 1999.” I asked about the name Ferais and she told me a wonderful story about her friend and ex-employer, John Fera. It seems that Mr. Fera was a long-time Buffalo restaurant owner who had four downtown locations. Sue had worked with him, in various capacities, for almost 20 years. They had always gotten along well and talked about her someday taking over his business. In 1999, they opened this location in the Market Arcade, as partners. She has since become the sole owner, and in respect to Mr. Fera and their ongoing friendship, she maintained the name “in his honor.”
Sue said “she was worried about the tone of the BNews article.” She didnit want to have anything that would be considered negative, or taken out of context and misconstrued. Sue said she was very surprised with the response from her customers who had read the article. Many of them told her that they had also written letters in response, praising the Market Arcade building. One of her customers told her that she truly believed that the reason she has such a great staff and was able to keep them, is that “they love coming to work in such a great building everyday!”
She said she remembered the first time she and Mr. Fera entered the building. It was empty and deep in the throes of construction. She found it difficult to imagine what her business would look like. But those fears quickly vanished. She” fell in love with the building” and invested her time and money into making sure that her business, and the beautiful building, would do well. Sue believes that if enough people are positive in their thoughts and actions, good will prevail. So far, that seems to be the case. She notes that the Market Arcade is fully leased with most tenants, including herself, very happy to be there. Since opening in 1999, she has been fortunate to have wonderful customers, many she knows by first names and considers friends. She and her long time staff, Jenny and Anthony, not only know the names of their regular customers, they know who wants what iwithout onions!i
Itis called good customer service!
When I think about Sue and her great business in the Market Arcade building, I canit help thinking that she is yet another intrepid idowntown urban pioneer.i It took a lot of guts and vision to invest in downtown Buffalo in the days before the recent residential conversion boom began. Next time youire downtown, especially on a really cold winter day, stop by the Market Arcade building for lunch at Ferais and enjoy the beautiful skylit ambience.
Ms. Goldmanis article is no longer being posted on the BNews service.
Hereis Sueis complete letter:
Ferais
@ The Market Arcade
617 Main St/ entrance also on Washington St
Hours: 8AM n 2:30 PM M-F
716.855.4663