Last week I received word that the former Strusienski Restaurant at the corner of Paderewski and Sears was purchased at Buffalo’s foreclosure auction. That news was great…then I heard that the building was purchased by none other than neighborhood friend and activist Eddy Dobosiewicz of Maxwell Truth, Dyngus Day Buffalo and Forgotten Buffalo fame.
I sent Eddy some questions about the purchase and he was gracious enough to send along a response.
BFA: Have you been looking for a building in the neighborhood?
Eddy: I have been looking at all the buildings in the neighborhood. Especially after the destruction of the former Polish Village. Not necessarily to buy but to make sure they are not demolished without justification.
BFA: Why did you decide to purchase the former Strusienski Restaurant…is it a building you have had your eyes on?
Eddy: I decided to purchase the Strusienski structure after becoming aware that it was facing demolition and that no one else was willing to buy it.
BFA: What are your plans for it?
Eddy: Initial plans are to secure the building and begin repairs that are necessary due to decades of neglect.
BFA: Did you ever go the restaurant when it was open? When did it close? Any memories?
Eddy: I did indeed go there as a child and also when I had an apartment on Houghton Street. They had great roast beef sandwiches.
BFA: How important is it for the neighborhood to save buildings like the one you purchased and reuse them?
Eddy: It is extremely important to save the structures that are salvageable. The “Historic Polonia district” is filled with buildings and houses that are unique to our area and maybe even the country. The historical significance of this neighborhood is the key to it’s revitalization. Do not discount that. By sharing our past we will shape our future.
Not only does this area contain a business district that once competed with the downtown corridor in volume, we also have numerous churches within blocks of each other that rival anything found in Europe and one of the most magnificent art deco buildings in the nation. These things along with it’s close proximity to downtown the 190 and 33 plus the existing community already in place with the Broadway Market, Post office, banks, inexpensive housing stock, stores, shops, taverns, etc make the “Historic Polonia district” WNY’s largest shovel ready site for development.
Great stuff!!!!
GREAT NEWS! Terrific spot to buy also right between Mickeys & The Terminal and between one of the greatest block clubs ever..Lombard/Clark st..will he be opening another restaurant in the future?Im sure it will do well!
Great job Eddy! I used to go here as a child as well. There are many buildings like this that are just rotting away. This one less to worry about.
Eddy great idea..nice save.
I knew John and his family very well. At one time I owned 71 Sears and my relatives still live on Sears.
I was in Johnny’s bar all the time… great food and company.
The building is not at Paderewski and Lombard but at Paderewski and Sears. I lived on the east side most of my life, and I still attend St. Stanislaus Church. Pray that we get a good full time pastor who will strengthen us and our linked parish of St. John Kanty’s where I have many friends, and I also shop with my parents at the Broadway Market every Saturday. Pray that the East side does resurrect.
Thanks Ron for the catch…fixed.
Great news. More buildings need to be preserved. Many, many people appreciate the efforts of all of you.
My father would take me here for dinner before we went to the movies at the Rivoli.