As other parts of the city continue to reinvent commercial districts, there is a growing number of people rethinking the future of Chippewa – restaurateurs who want to see the street as an up-and-coming anchor in the city, not just for partiers, but for people who have an appreciation for good food and tasteful atmosphere. At this moment, four partners are planning an overhaul of the former Bayou, and are investing a considerable amount of money to not only change the image of the building, but the entire block. The team of Adam March, Peter Altholz, Dan Valentine and Neil Kapoor has decided to take a different approach to the space, by creating a place that will incorporate aspects of cosmopolitan design while retaining a Buffalo-inspired relaxed atmosphere. “My business partners and I are focused on changing the landscape of Chippewa Street,” said Adam March, a principal owner of The Lodge. “We’re investing our own capital into the revitalization of downtown Buffalo, because we believe in our hometown. We envision the Chippewa district to be a dining destination that’s safe and enjoyable for everyone, while creating nearly 60 new jobs with the opening of The Lodge.”
Co-owner Peter Altholz feels that the 5500 sq.’ restaurant will be a year ’round destination that will draw people into the comfort of a cozy chalet atmosphere in the winter and an indoor-outdoor getaway over the summer. The thought is that if a significant former party nightclub is transformed into a top class restaurant, where downtown office workers will feel as comfortable as the pre-Sabres’ game crowd, then the tide will continue to turn for the district. “In the past, Chippewa Street has garnered a negative reputation as a party zone, but things are changing,” Peter told me. “Problem bars have closed and new investments such as the Avant building, the transformation of nightlife staple ‘Soho’ into a restaurant and the expansion of Bacchus are elevating the area into a patchwork of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. Papaya, Chocolate Bar, Bada Bing, The Buffalo Tap House and others add to the quality of options in the area. The Lodge hopes to continue the evolution of Chippewa by providing an additional upscale dining and nightlife option for those seeking a more refined experience downtown.”
The Lodge owners tell me that they don’t want to be a 4am party bar anymore. Rather they want to be known for the quality of the food and the seven figure investment that they are putting into the restaurant. “Our offices are upstairs,” said Adam and Peter. “We’re concentrating on the 11am to 1am food service to bring new faces to the street. We’re going to have i-Pod menus, a beautiful mezzanine overlooking the first floor, water features, a game lounge, digital calendar screens in the bathrooms to broadcast events, and we have a top-notch chef by the name of Fortune who has recently moved back from Vegas. There’s an arctic lounge environment, with blue and silver hues, complete with a waterfall – all-in-all, this is a massive renovation project for Buffalo.”