Braymiller Market downtown to close next week

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Braymiller Market grocery store will close after three years in business, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon announced in a press conference Friday.

The market is currently the only grocery store downtown.

The closure is expected in the next week to 10 days and 36 employees will be affected.

"I'll be honest with you all, this isn't a great day for me, it's not a great day for my constituents, it's not a great day for the neighbors next door," said Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope.

Scanlon cited the COVID-19 pandemic as reasoning for the closure, claiming that shifts to remote work and around 30,000 fewer people downtown have made it a challenge for small businesses to remain open.

In July of last year, a bailout of more than $500k was approved in COVID-19 relief funds by the Buffalo Common Council to support Braymiller. Local developer Paul Ciminelli also gave an additional $500k in funding to the business. The loan has not been called into default.

The 201 Ellicott St. project was a signature part of former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown’s economic agenda for downtown Buffalo. It was also part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s five-year affordable housing plan.

When asked whether he thought the closure was a bad look on the Brown administration, Scanlon said Braymiller owner Stuart Green took a chance on downtown Buffalo with the store.

"I don't think it was a mistake or a black eye or anything on anyone, but unfortunately COVID-19 and the market conditions have put an end to it," he said. The loan will be written off.

Scanlon said he will continue talking to grocers, federal and state officials to bring a grocery store to food deserts in the region. He said the land on Ellicott Street will be put into public use and an announcement will come soon with more details.

WIVB News 4 has reached out to a spokesperson with Brown and has not yet heard back.

See the full press conference in the video player above.