By Joe Kirchmyer
First observed in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the awesome — and often overlooked — community stores, shops and businesses that offer an alternative to the big retailers. An annual reminder to “shop small,” Small Business Saturday will take place this year on Nov. 28.
While there are literally thousands of small businesses across Western New York that would appreciate your business on Nov. 28 and throughout the year, listed below are 10 of my favorite destinations when searching for something unique … or delicious! Your list is sure to vary, but the point is to support the businesses that make your neighborhood a unique community!
Bases Loaded Sports Collectibles
The perfect destination for the sports fan on your list, Bases Loaded Sports Collectibles is located at 794 French Road in Cheektowaga. From sports cards to a wide variety of autographed sports memorabilia, Bases Loaded is the perfect destination for everything from stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind treasures. If you’re not sure what to buy, pick up a gift certificate and let your sports nut go on a little shopping spree! Saturday hours at Bases Loaded are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village Museum Store
If you’re looking for something unique, historic and/or related to Western New York, get yourself to the recently remodeled store within Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road in Amherst. Step inside and discover treasures such as Buffalo framed artwork and statues, historical plates, artistic cut-outs, mugs, and a pleasant variety of items to wear or to decorate your home. While BNHV is closed Saturday through Tuesday during the colder months, they’d love for you to stop by Wednesday through Friday!
Cake Crazy Bakery
Owner and chef Shetice Williams is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., Buffalo State College and the culinary program at Emerson Vocational High School in Buffalo, where she graduated number one in her class. And it’s all very apparent when you bite into any of her delicious offerings! Conveniently located at 2525 William St. between Harlem Road and the I-90 in Cheektowaga, Cake Crazy specializes in cakes for all occasions, speciality cupcakes, pies and cookies — all made from scratch — and they’re well known for their pink lemonade cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, sweet potato pecan tarts and banana pudding cake! Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you’d be crazy not to stop in for a treat!
Chateau Buffalo
Buffalo’s only urban winery, Chateau Buffalo features wines and craft hard ciders made with locally grown grapes and fruits. Located at 175 Niagara Frontier Food Terminal (1500 Clinton St., Buffalo), this beautifully renovated winery and retail store occupies space in an historic food terminal dating back to the early 1930s. Chateau Buffalo’s wine offerings range from red and white to sweet or dry, and an ice wine is also available. Cool fact: The wines and ciders change frequently as most are prepared in relatively small batches. Wine and cider tastings are available to guests who may wish to sample a product before making a purchase. Group wine-tasting events can also be scheduled by contacting the store. Saturday hours are from 2 to 7 p.m. Cheers!
Dalia’s Bridal
Nearing their one-year anniversary in December, Dalia’s Bridal offers couture wedding gowns available off the showroom floor at 40 to 70 percent off retail prices, and recently added designer dresses for all occasions. Located at 4558 Main St. in Snyder, Dalia’s also offers bridal accessories such as veils, sashes, birdcages, bridal jewelry, slips and more, as well as two spacious dressing areas where customers can try on the beautiful gowns and dresses. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.
Dog Ears Bookstore & Café
The only bookstore in South Buffalo, this nonprofit boasts the unmistaken feel of a neighborhood gathering place. Known for carrying a wide variety of books (many by local authors), hosting special events and book-signings, and serving delicious food and drink, Dog Ears is a local treasure that simply needs to be explored. Not into reading? Stop in for a delicious sandwich, salad, bowl of soup, cappuccino, latte, smoothie or dessert! Located at 688 Abbott Road, Dog Ears has Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery
While it’s located at 1168 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca, Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery has the special feel of a gallery typically found in Buffalo’s historic Elmwood Village or the quaint Village of East Aurora. If you’re into local art and gifts created by talented Western New Yorkers, this is the place for you! From books, jewelry and handmade greeting cards to sculpture, paintings and photography, Enjoy the Journey has something for every artistic taste. And for those feeling creative, the gallery also offers a wide variety of art classes for beginners to the experienced. Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Farmers & Artisans
Unique for its product offerings, Farmers & Artisans features locally and regionally grown and produced dairy products, bakery items, chef-prepared foods, pastured meats and eggs, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, pantry items and sustainable seafood offerings that are just full of flavor! Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and if you want to kill two birds with one stone on Small Business Saturday, they’re located at 4557 Main St. in Snyder, right across the street from the previously mentioned Dalia’s Bridal. In business since 2009, Farmers & Artisans now offers hundreds of locally produced products and, quite frankly, it just doesn’t get any fresher or better. Stop in for a taste of WNY!
Past & Present
Billed as a fossil and rock shop, Past & Present is so much more. In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb and call it the most unique shopping and educational destination in the Southtowns, and perhaps all of WNY. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts or a gift for that person who has everything, Past & Present is your destination. I mean, where else are you going to find fossils, minerals, dinosaur bones, singing bowls, wood and stone carved art, educational books and games, unique jewelry and much, much more all under the same roof? Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the store is located at 3767 South Park Ave., Blasdell, just minutes from the McKinley Mall and a block from the famous Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant.
The Pasta Peddler/Blackbird Sweets
You’re going to want to bring your appetite to this double dose of family owned deliciousness sharing space at 1547 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo. While The Pasta Peddler is known for its fresh pasta, ravioli and sauce, Blackbird Sweets provides “edible artistry” such as gourmet cupcakes, pies, tarts and cookies, not to mention incredible cakes for weddings and all occasions. While you’re shopping, order a delicious cup of coffee and just spend a few minutes enjoying the delightful mix of aromas that fill the air. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Like I said, these are just a handful of small businesses that not only deserve your patronage on Small Business Saturday but throughout the year. They’re the businesses that are the heart of the place we like to call home.
