BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Ted's Hot Dogs opened its newest location on Monday in the Chippewa District, returning to the city of Buffalo for the first time since 1998. Those with a craving for something char-broiled now no longer have to go to the suburbs for satisfaction.
"To not be in the city and have so many people think about Ted's as a Buffalo institution, just didn't seem right," said Thecly Ortolani, president and owner of Ted's, now open at 124 West Chippewa Street.
As it returns to its roots, Ted's is highlighting its history. The grill area was designed to replicate the very first location, which Ortolani's grandfather started in 1927 near the Peace Bridge in Buffalo. She says it's great to be part of the Queen City's renaissance in their new spot.
"I just love it and feel it's just energizing," said Ortolani, "It's just a really great, exciting feeling to be down here."
"You walk around and everyday, you see these streets kind of shift so it's really really great to kind of help add to that and participate in kind of help keep that development moving," said Joe Drust, CEO of Ted's.
The arrival of Ted's is one of many of ongoing changes on Chippewa to offer more than nightlife. Just down the street, Noir is being transformed into Local Kitchen and Beer Bar.
"The positive direction Chippewa is going in, it seemed like the only logical choice was to add in a kitchen, and kind of follow suit with what everybody else was doing. I feel like there's not a lot of room left on the street for the nightclub type of atmosphere," said Liz Zavalrella of Local Kitchen and Beer Bar. "People were really really longing to have a place to go where it's not just a big party scene."
Zavarella says they've received great feedback already, and she thinks the desire for more to enjoy downtown is a great sign.
"I think it's just a testament to the growth of the city, and the great direction that we are going in."
Local will open late next month offering lunch and dinner, with brunch to follow in the spring.