AFTER ONE YEAR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS, A DEAL HAS BEEN STRUCK BETWEEN THE CITY OF BUFFALO, MAGNOLIA EVENTS AND OLMSTED PARKS CONSERVANCY THAT WILL SEE THE TERRACE @ DELAWARE PARK OPEN BY JANUARY.
It will bring a year-round, family-friendly restaurant at the historic landmark, often considered an under-utilized asset.
“It will provide a unique dining experience and another reason to spend time in Delaware Park every season of the year,” said Mayor Byron Brown.
Renovations will start next week and a soft opening is tentatively set for January.
The Terrace @ Delaware Park will feature a varied menu that includes hand-carved sandwiches, homemade soups and a children’s menu. The summer menu will be highlighted by the “shared plates” dining concept with seasonal farm-to-table items.
Initially, the restaurant will be open for lunches and dinners although breakfast and brunch may be added.
Magnolia Events, the catering and special events sister company to the Liberty Hound Restaurant on Buffalo’s waterfront, is co-owned by restaurateurs of Jason Davidson and Michael Shtazel. The company received a three-year contract to run the restaurant, subject to annual city and Olmsted reviews.
“We believe The Terrace @ Delaware Park will prove to be a great community and park asset and will fit in with (Frederick Law) Olmsted’s vision for Delaware Park,” Davidson said.
Magnolia Events won a bid in 2012 to handle the management and operation of the Marcy Casino, increasing events at the site that overlooks Hoyt Lake.
The event schedule, however, was limited to the casino’s lower level .
Last November, Magnolia responded to an Olmsted Parks Conservancy bid for opening the casino’s main floor and creating the year-round restaurant.
The lower level will continue to host private bookings.
Stephanie Crockatt, Olmsted Parks executive director, said the extra revenue produced by the restaurant will help pay for five new seasonal workers.
James Fink covers real estate, commercial development and government
