Ahmed Saleh, owner of Mandella Market at the corner of Broadway and Jefferson on Buffalo's east side, held a large prayer rally Tuesday, calling on Tim Hortons to explain why it's not moving in to his location.
"Two weeks ago, probably. They said, ‘we're not coming.’ And that makes me disappointed. Very upset, very angry," said Saleh.
Saleh says his recent $2 million investment comes complete with a gas station, convenience store and space to accommodate what was supposed to be the popular cafe and bake shop.
"Drive-thru, and a room ready to go. Seating area, you see how many people we are. It's supposed to be for them," said Saleh.
The former abandoned gas station project got underway about two years ago, and included an environmental clean-up prior to the structural design and construction.
"We made sure that we had a nice big site, if it does go to a Tim Hortons. We have stacking here for 20 cars, got a rather large parking lot," said John Schenne, Schenne and Associates consulting engineers owner.
"Let's hear from Tim Hortons. I haven't seen anything officially in writing of the denial," said Darius Pridgen, (D) Buffalo Common Council - Ellicott District.
Pridgen, the Common Council president, addressed the issue at a meeting Tuesday, calling on Tim Hortons to appear before lawmakers and explain why that location was not chosen.
"This city did a lot to get that site prepared, or ready as far as taking it through the zoning board, getting the drive-thru, as was requested. And many people in that neighborhood were looking forward to it," said Pridgen.
Though a franchise agreement was never signed, and despite the uncertainty, Saleh remains hopeful the company will reconsider its decision and occupy the space.
"We need Tim Hortons in the community. We need Tim Hortons in the neighborhood. That's why we built this place for Tim Hortons," said Saleh.
The space has been empty for about six months.