By Pasquale Maggiore and Alexa Myers
BengalNews Reporters
Amongst abandoned factory buildings and old parking lots, a building colored red white and green stands out. The sign reads, “Santasiero’s.” For West Side inhabitants, and even those all over Buffalo, this name means more than just a restaurant. Santasiero’s has lasted 90 years in a location that has seen many cultures and businesses come and go, and they plan to continue their success no matter what.
Dominic and Philomena Santasiero moved to the United States from Italy in 1920. With their eight children to care for, they decided to open a restaurant right underneath their home. The business took off. Located on the corner of Lafayette Avenue and Niagara Street they were in a prime spot. Busy Niagara Street had commuters constantly driving by the small Italian restaurant. The population of the West Side was also predominantly Italian so the restaurant fit into the neighborhood.
John Brands Jr. , grandson of Santasiero's founder, talks about the family business:
During the 1920s the Santasiero family was mostly focused on building up a reputation that customers could trust. The Santasiero’s dream when coming to America was to build a family-run, trustworthy business. And they did just that. Customer loyalty is still the most important aspect to keeping their business successful. Eventually Dominic and Philomena’s three sons took over the restaurant and were in charge until the 1970s. Their cliental only grew as time continued.
As Santasiero’s flourished, the surrounding area saw big changes. The demographic of the West Side began to change, it was no longer mostly Italian. By the 1990s the West Side was mixed with all different types of cultures from all over the world. With more ethnically diverse businesses moving into the area, the little Italian corner restaurant continued to stand strong. Unfortunately, other area businesses were not as lucky. Sharon Boyd, who was been a server in the restaurant since the 1980s has seen the hardships and closures.
“Businesses on Niagara Street should be thriving,” said Boyd. “There is so much traffic that goes up and down this street every day.”
So what is the secret to keeping a business open for 90 years in a rapidly changing setting? The Santasiero family believes it is customer loyalty, quality food and reasonable prices. Their home cooked food is something that can speak for itself, as they have even expanded to shipping their products all over the country. John Brands Jr., grandson of Dominic Santasiero said.
“We have to make sure that we are open over the holidays,” said John Brands Jr., grandson of Dominic Santasiero. “Because people who have moved away come back during that time, and this is the place they want to come.”
The customer allegiance was easy to see as the restaurant began to fill up only moments after opening on a dreary Monday morning.
The family also prides themselves on how well a family can eat at their restaurant without breaking the bank. The menu has classic Italian dishes along with other traditional favorites. Despite the economic drop, the Santasiero’s hasn’t had to raise its prices at all.
“(The) economy hasn’t affected us that much,” said Boyd. “We still see new faces and the same people that have been coming back for years. I am on a first name basis with a lot of our customers.”
Santasiero’s family restaurant history is unique and special. The restaurant is a West Side staple that continues to stay strong, and owners see no slowing down in sight.
Edited by Michael Hargrave
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