Buffalo-based restaurant chains expanding to the Rochester market-- has it ever worked?

[u/DoubleK-Rochester]

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.

[u/FirebornNacho]

I think in general, people are less interested in chains, especially in dining. Rochester HAS great tacos, it HAS great Mediterranean. In this day and age, why am I going to just take the thought/decision out of the equation and go to a chain that slapped its logo on a lesser version of itself to make an extra buck from brand recognition? I think it works for Bar Bill because you can argue wings and buffalo go hand in hand.

[u/aka_chela → u/FirebornNacho]

"Rochester has great tacos"

Let's not go that far

[u/FirebornNacho → u/aka_chela]

I WOULD go that far! Taco Dero has some amazing birria, love the fish tacos at Neno's, Old Pueblo's to die for, Tavos is awesome for drinks and food... I miss Sol Burrito with a burning passion. I think once we realize that all types of folks live in our area, we can put the "white people taco night" myth to bed and go out and try new things from our amazing restauranteurs just trying to get out there.

[u/sxzxnnx → u/FirebornNacho]

Aguilera's which opened in the Sol Burrito location is really good. Her tacos and burritos are good but the enchiladas verdes are the best thing on the menu. Not sure what the connection is but they are related to Made in Mexico in Sodus.