It’s like déjà vu all over again. Back in 2007 I wrote about this historic establishment in hopes that an accomplished restaurateur with a vision would do the right thing and lease it. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. The Rendezvous was leased, but instead of reverting back to a historic bar, it was turned into a nightclub. Thankfully, the guys who ran the business left most everything intact, although they did take out the great old booths and tables in the back room. What a bummer.
In recent months another operator has been fixing The Rendezvous up again, in order to reopen the establishment. But suddenly that business plan fell apart, leaving a great opportunity for someone to go in and operate the close to turnkey business. The amazing patio in back has been restored and updated, the interior has been cleaned, and today it is essentially looks the same as it did back in its heyday. This place needs a sensitive operator who is willing to pay his or her respects to the history of the building. All of the art deco elements remain, and the rent is still extremely low considering the opportunity at hand ($1450 a month).
As for the future of The Rendezvous, the owner would help an operator to orchestrate some sensitive design enhancements that would go a long way to making the interior function and flow better. The establishment would have to remain “The Rendezvous” for obvious historic reasons.
The parking lot next door belongs to The Rendezvous. Plus, the building located adjacent to the establishment (see below) is in the midst of being rehabbed into a mixed use space. There will be two storefronts on the first floor (with an appliance center occupying either one half or both storefronts – TBD), with office and/or residential on the upper floors. This is good news for The Rendezvous, since it adds to the vibrancy of the block.
Get connected: Pierre Wallinder | 716-432-6589 | 520 Niagara Street | Bar – Restaurant