|
Published: November 19, 2008 08:50 pm
BUSINESS: Fournier leaves Cafe Etc. to reopen Orchard Grill
By Rick Forgione E-mail Rick
Niagara Gazette
Good-bye Cafe Etc., hello Orchard Grill.
Niagara Falls Councilman Steve Fournier confirmed Wednesday he has closed and is selling his Cafe Etc. building on Third Street to begin a new business venture as operator of the Orchard Grill on Main Street.
“I was just looking to downsize because of my political career and other job,” said Fournier, adding the move shouldn’t be considered as a stab against Third Street. “I tried on Third Street and I have no regrets. It’s not that I didn’t make any money or make a lot of good friends, but with the economy the way it is, I decided to go elsewhere.”
Fournier has finalized a five-year lease to operate the Orchard Grill restaurant, which has been closed since Niagara County Legislator Jason Murgia announced last month he was looking to sell the building. The first-year city councilman received his new liquor license this week and is in the process of doing minor renovations inside the restaurant, with the anticipation of opening back up by early December.
The popular Main Street eatery will retain its name and most of its menu, but Fournier said he’s expanding the hours of operation, offering delivery service and serving a T-bone steak dinner in the evenings. He’s also interested in purchasing the building from Murgia.
Meanwhile, his Cafe Etc. jazz club has become another closed business on Third Street, and will remain that way for at least the near future as Fournier attempts to sell the building. He declined to say how much he’s asking for the property, but said he’s already received some interest.
In September, he had agreed to lease the business out to Don’t Blink Entertainment owner Louie Bax, who already helps manage Club New York and the Ultra Lounge on Third Street. That deal fell through after Fournier decided he’d rather sell the building, however, the councilman said he would reconsider leasing opportunities if no buyers come forward within the next couple of months.
“The good thing about Cafe Etc. is it is a turn-key business and not like other vacant buildings on Third Street that need thousands of dollars to renovate before opening,” he said.
Fournier renovated the old Rockwells bar and reopened it as Cafe Etc. in 2002 with his wife Michelle Colato. The opening helped lead to a resurgence of Third Street as an entertainment district, but the street reconstruction project completed by USA Niagara Development Co. two years ago didn’t bolster business as anticipated.
“I would say my business dwindled by 25 to 30 percent since the new street was put in,” Fournier said, “and my taxes have gone up 110 percent.”
He credited any success Cafe had to the support of the Colato family and his father who owns Donatello’s Restaurant next door.
“Michelle and I worked very hard to establish it,” he said. “There’s a lot of good memories tied to that building. It was tough to close down, it’s still tough.”
Murgia, who has operated the Orchard Grill prior to becoming a county legislator, didn’t return a call seeking comment Wednesday.
|
|
|
|
 |
Echo Tech
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY TECHNICIAN, Full-time. Certification by ARDMS or registry eligible. Up to $7500 Sign On Bonus!; MEDICAL...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service Immed. F/T position. Includes weekends. Must be customer oriented, computer ...>MORE
RN
RN, Director of Quality / Education: to plan, organize, develop and direct all staff development and CQI programs. North...>MORE
FLOOR ASSISTANT
Floor asst. needed for approx. 30-35 hrs/wk in a podiatry office, no exp. nec., will train, call between 12-2:30 pm for ...>MORE
Auditor/Accountant
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS EXAM DATE: 1/9/10 FILING PERIOD: 11/9/09 -11/25/09 Applicants for both exams mu...>MORE
Inventory Control
Inventory Control Carousel Pickers Order Pickers Receivers/Shippers Packers Pay: $10/hr Sh...>MORE
Insulation Installer
Insulation Installers. Exp. preferred but will train the right candidates. Start $8-$10/hr. Earn $15. in less than 30 da...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. ElderWood Senior Care, "Care Without Compromise". We invite you to stop by and learn how you can become part of...>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE Practitioner, PT including one evening, resume 533 Meadow Dr, Suite 2, N. Tona, NY 14120 or fax 693-4807...>MORE
Job Fair
HUMAN SERVICES JOB FAIR For COMMUNITY MISSIONS
Program Locations/Job Opportunities working w/c...>MORE
See all ads |
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
2000 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 2000 Caravan, V6, power everything, excellent body, runs great, $2195. Call 754-4608....>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
Buick 2005 LeSabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
Chevy 2003 Impala
CHEVY 2003 Impala 25,600 miles, loaded Exc. Cond. $10,000/bo 297-2199...>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|