CLARENCE, N.Y. -- Last Thursday, the parking lot of Quaker Steak & Lube was filled with classic cars, motorcycles and hundreds of enthusiasts. Then without prior notice or warning, the casual dining restaurant on Transit Road known for burgers and wings closed its doors for good.
“We don't know," Judy Sirianni said. "Nobody knows."
Sirianni, the outgoing head of the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, says she was as surprised by the departure as anyone. In August, the restaurant participated in the Taste of Clarence and just two weeks ago, they were at the wing festival in downtown Buffalo. She thinks it may have been a decision made by the restaurant's new owner.
"They bought out Quaker Steak, the new owners from Staybridge or Scott Enterprise," Sirianni said. "So nobody knows. It's just something that happened and will we ever know? Probably not. It's just something that happened."
Incoming Chamber president Jan Reicis says the answer is simple.
"It's a competitive world out there," Reicis said. "I mean, we kinda joke around about the 'chicken wing competition' if you will that's going on on Transit. Perhaps that was one of the issues with Quaker Steak also."
Transit Road has long been one of the busiest shopping and eating districts in the area. It's not unusual for businesses to come and go.
Another big name that is leaving is Dave and Buster's. The family-friendly sports bar is leaving Eastern Hills Mall for a larger space at Walden Galleria.
"I hear they do have a replacement," Sirriani said. "So, it's in an area where people want to be."
As Sirianni prepares to hand over the reigns to Reicis, she says she's not worried about future businesses on Transit Road.
"It's economics, let's face it," she said. "You can look at Buffalo. Every week, they have a list of businesses that are closing and then you have the ones that are opening. So, you have five closing and you have five opening. It's the economics of the area."