Downtown
is gaining a new dining option. Risa’s Deli & Catering, formerly on Hertel Avenue, has inked a
deal to open at 285 Delaware Avenue in late fall. Specializing in
homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts, Risa’s will offer both
sit-down or take-out dining options for breakfast and lunch as well as delivery
service.
“I’ve
been in the restaurant for over 30 years and as the only truly N.Y.-style deli
in the area, I look forward to offering my clientele a convenient, comfortable
and affordable place to eat,” said Risa Paonessa, owner and manager. “The
catering services we provide will also prove to be extremely valuable to
businesses that are looking for a unique and tasty eating experience, brought
right to their door.”
Using
old family recipes and quirky sandwich names (the Ben “Vereen” features corned
beef and pastrami on rye with mustard), Paonessa believes working professionals
in the downtown business district as well as the nearby Buffalo Niagara Medical
Campus are looking for a dining option that combines excellent food and fast,
friendly service.
“Even
though fast food is an essential part of the restaurant business, I feel that
people are looking for more fresh alternatives,” she said.
285
Delaware Avenue, located between Chippewa and West Tupper Streets, is a 116,800 square foot, five-story office building, opened in 2007.
M&T Bank occupies three of the office floors. Environmental services
firm Conestoga-Rovers & Associates has 22,000 sq.ft. on the fifth floor.
In total, nearly 400 employees work in the $12 million building.