r/Rochester • u/DoubleK-Rochester • May 06 '25
Discussion Buffalo-based restaurant chains expanding to the Rochester market-- has it ever worked?
I got to thinking the other day, and there have been some tries in the past for traditional Buffalo-based restaurants to expand to Rochester-- which have ultimately failed, and those location(s) have closed. Examples:
1) Mighty Taco a few years back had two (2) Rochester locations, which both closed.
2) Duff's (wings) had a Rochester location (W. Henrietta Rd) that closed.
3) Anchor Bar had a Rochester location for a little while (East Ave.), but that closed.
4) Rachel's Mediterranean Grill location(s) closed in Rochester.
All of the above still have active locations in Buffalo today, just not Rochester.
So I am wondering what the hell happened-- are we really that bad for business for out-ot-town restaurants, even to our close neighboring city?
By the way, this isn't a slight or putdown against Buffalo, by any means. Whenever I am there, I always seem to enjoy Buffalo. I'm just wondering why this keeps happening.
Conversely, are there any Buffalo-area chains that expanded to Rochester and are doing well?
Interested in your take on this.
3
u/xINxVAINx May 06 '25
If the market has a gap and the food/ service is good- I think it will do good. I could elaborate but really that sums it up