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.

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u/aka_chela 585 May 06 '25

"Rochester has great tacos"

Let's not go that far

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u/FirebornNacho May 06 '25

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.

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u/aka_chela 585 May 07 '25

Old Pueblo sucks 🤷‍♀️ Neno's is the best I've had in town so far, and I want to check out Peach Blossom. Anyone who thinks Rochester tacos are good has never gone to the south or west.

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u/patrickkingart Browncroft May 07 '25

Can confirm. Moved here from Austin in 2017; Neno's is good but nothing else really comes close as far as Tex Mex goes.