Ted’s Hot Dogs in Lockport closes for good

Lockport Ted’s hot dog store was plagued by staffing problems and closed permanently.

“This was a really difficult decision for us, but it had to be made,” said Evan Ortolani, president of Ted.

The problem began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ted’s struggled to find enough staff to keep the restaurant running properly.

“Covid has not been easy. It’s been a tough time for the team,” said Ortolani. “Our Buffalo team is very important. Due to staffing challenges, we needed to focus on stores that could operate more efficiently.

“And, you know, it was just a business focus. We needed to open as many stores as possible, but Lockport, unfortunately, was too difficult to keep open.

Ted’s temporarily closed its Lockport store in the fall and asked employees to ramp up staffing at other stores. Other stores, such as Cheektowaga and downtown Chippewa Street, have also temporarily closed at various times. The Chippewa Street store is currently open from 11am to 4pm Thursdays and Fridays only.

Recently, Ted decided to keep the Lockport store closed permanently.

Bert Flickinger, a Buffalo native retail expert and CEO of consumer consulting firm Strategic Resource Group, called the move a shock, saying the company was doing well.

“I’m really, really surprised that Lockport has closed,” he said. “Two shifts a day, seven days a week to help out is tough.”

Ted’s stores remain open in the town of Tonawanda, Orchard Park, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, Amherst, North Tonawanda, DePuy, Chippewa Street and Tempe, Arizona.

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A food court skatepark built by skate pro firm Rump Carneys will open at McKinley Mall on Sunday. It was filming for an April opening.

“After many unforeseen surprises and problems, we are finally ready to open,” said owner Weldon Jones. “The change in this place is incredible.”

The park is a massive 16,000-square-foot space that used to be a mattress store and a martial arts studio.

Empty pool-like bowls, ramps, railings, and ledges come in a variety of shapes and sizes for all skill levels. It will also offer private lessons and skating clinics.

It was designed by Brent Kronmueller, a San Diego-based company known for building skate ramps for professional skateboarders such as the X Games and Tony Hawk, as well as private training facilities for professional skating teams.

All stores will be closed, including the BuyBuy Baby store at 1261 Niagara Falls Blvd. Located in Amherst near Boulevard Mall as part of the bankruptcy and liquidation of parent company Bed Bath & Beyond.

A closing sale with a 60% to 90% discount is also being carried out. Gift cards, merchandise credits, and rewards are no longer accepted.

Earlier this month, the debtors of Bed, Bath & Beyond canceled the auction of the entire Bye Bye Baby business, including retail stores, after failing to secure an acceptable offer.

New Ivory Bridal, a bridal store catering to medium to plus size brides, has opened in East Aurora.

Co-owners Kristen Hawk and Amanda Shamrock have sample sizes 14-30 starting at $1,500 in-store, featuring designers like Justin Alexander, Colby John, Allure and Madison James.

The idea for the shop came from Houk’s experience as a plus-size bride who couldn’t find a dress in her size to try on, even after checking with bridal shops beforehand.

Crosby’s Pizza & Subs convenience store has opened at 3652 Sheridan Drive in Amherst.

Part of the Crosby convenience store chain, it has 87 stores in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. In addition to gas stations, we also offer homemade pizzas, calzones, chicken wings, and a breakfast menu.

Eastern Hills Mall Start moving tenants To make room for the planned town center.

The state is tweaking plans cannabis farmers market.

ECMC Worker approved a new contract.

Anonymity has proven to be a problem For Buffalo Developer’s Waterfront Project.

M&T earnings Exceeded expectations.

franklinville knife company will be closed After being sold.

Temporary emergency medical facilities are Relieve caregiving anxiety in Niagara County.

Project to attract more apartments and shops to West Tupper Street approved by the city.

Shareholder voting method A merger of Life Storage and Xtra Space Storage has been revealed.

Job market in the region no signs of slowing down.

Equipment manufacturer in the town of Tonawanda Plan to expand.

Group suing over UB campus organization policies dismissed part of the lawsuit.

Western New York is $69 million for bridge upgrades.

Ciminelli pledges $500,000 in aid Bray Miller Market downtown.

Huge Amherst medical and surgical complex nears opening.

5 readings from Buffalo Next:

1. Not getting cannabis growers lots of sparks From the state plan to allow pot-only farmers markets.

2. Growing from afar: Inside the contract of Hilbert College and Valley College.

3. Local unions buck the trend: Why Buffalo Niagara Union Membership Isn’t Declining.

Four. Develop future nurses: How simulated patients play an important role in this effort.

Five. psychic, wrestler, church: How Buffalo Niagara Mall Finds Its Way Forward.

The Buffalo Next team provides a holistic view of regional economic revitalization. Email your tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or contact his Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.

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