Bringing Buffalo New Life

Two iconic Buffalo restaurants are poised for new lives.

The former Gecko’s Bar & Grille on Hertel Avenue has been sold three years after it closed, and the Towne Restaurant—an Allentown landmark—also has a new owner that will bypass its history and turn it into a health clinic.

Joseph Less paid $520,000 for Gecko’s, located at 1464 Hertel Ave., buying it from 1464 Hertel Avenue LLC, according to documents filed Sept. 18 in the Erie County Clerk's office.

Plans for the Gecko’s building are focusing on a new bar/restaurant.
The deal comes three years after Gecko’s announced plans to add a second story and expand. The post-Covid world thwarted those plans.

Meanwhile, Evergreen Health paid $1.65 million for the vacant former townhouse located at 186 Allen St.

Evergreen is planning on opening a pharmacy and dental clinic in the building.
Evergreen may also move some offices into the building.