By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo has certainly had its share of out-of-town developers, promising new business and jobs. But this time a California company is not letting the city down. A new $4.2 million waterfront restaurant is set to open next month called Shanghai Reds.
Construction crews are working feverishly to put the finishing touches on a massive restaurant at the former Crawdaddy's site along the Erie Basin Marina. Chris Clark of Amherst was hired just three weeks ago as a manager by Speciality Restaurants.
Clarks says Shanghai Reds will be opening to the public on October 18th. That's not the date the city was hoping for. In fact, the city has been pressuring the company to open by September 30th or risk losing a $500,000 performance bond. But Clark says as long as there are certain items operating by the end of the month, they will be allowed to open for business October 18th.
"It means we must have all the plugs working. But we don't have to have the equipment hooked up," Clark said. "But we will have much of that done by the 30th. We're in contact with the city daily."
Mayor Masiello continues to visit the site, checking on the progress of the new restaurant.
"They have a lot of people working there," Masiello said. "They're making great progress. I stop in on a regular basis. I know others who are monitoring the situation are doing the same thing."
Speciality was the original owners of Crawdaddy's, but leased it to another company before it went out of business. But this time it is creating a unique dining experience. Shanghai Red's will feature designated areas where customers can watch a chef make their meals. The new restaurant features five kitchens and two banquet rooms with a view of the lake front.
Clark says as construction moves forward, the public reaction has been very positive.
"When they actually see this place, and see how much money we've put into it, I think people will be looking forward to its opening," Clark said.
Clark is is trying to hire 200 employees and about 10 managers before the restaurant opens next month.