West Side Bazaar
1432 Niagara Street
Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 8 pm
WEDI’s West Side Bazaar is a small business incubator where aspiring entrepreneurs incubate business concepts and learn the fundamentals of running a business. Located at 1432 Niagara Street on Buffalo's West Side, it is also a community gathering space where people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds share a love of delicious food and unique products.
The Bazaar has restaurants featuring Vietnamese, Egyptian, Congolese, Italian, Malaysian, Jamaican and Korean cuisines. There are 2 food retail booth on the first floor with additional booths for pop-up events. On the second floor, there are 2 professional offices (homes to a culinary book store and mental health counselors), The Gathering Space, a Learning Lab, commissary kitchen, a wellness room for nursing moms, and additional seating.
Assemblyman Jonathan D. Rivera enjoys samples from the West Side Bazaar during our grand opening week.
To learn more about incubating a business at the West Side Bazaar and get on our waiting list, please fill out this form. A WEDI staff member will contact you to schedule an introductory call.
Your West Side Bazaar Businesses
Owner: Khaing Zin Hein
Journey: From Myanmar/Burma to Thailand to Malaysia to Buffalo
Established in 2023 in WEDI's West Side Bazaar
Khaing's culinary journey is a testament to his passion for food and his unyielding determination. Originating from Myanmar/Burma he honed his skills for nine years in local professional kitchens such as Cozy Thai, Fuze Asian Grill, and Saigon Bangkok. Khaing loves to cook! His culinary repertoire spans Thai, Burmese, and Vietnamese cuisine. Currently at the helm of Bamboo Ridge in the West Side Bazaar, Khaing has chosen to spotlight the flavors of Vietnam. His decision to apply to the West Side Bazaar was influenced by the success stories of two graduate businesses from the old West Side Bazaar, Nine & Night and 007 Dim Sum & Bubble Tea.
Bamboo Ridge is not just a restaurant; it's the realization of a dream. When Khaing decided to embark on this entrepreneurial journey, he knew he needed a trusted ally. With a call to his best friend, Myo Zaw in Maryland, Khaing found the perfect partner to help him bring Bamboo Ridge to life. Visit Bamboo Ridge and experience a blend of flavors that tell a story of resilience, friendship, and a love for good food.
Owner: Boualivanh Thammasithikoun
Journey: Thailand to Laos to Thailand to Buffalo (2001) to Atlanta, GA to Buffalo (2015)
Established in 2023 at WEDI's West Side Bazaar
Boualivanh Thammasithikoun, the formidable owner of Bubble Tea, has woven a remarkable tale of resilience and success through her culinary journey. Her life's chapters unfold across Thailand, Laos, Atlanta, GA, and Buffalo, NY, where she has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.
Trained at a prestigious culinary school in Thailand, Boualivanh mastered the intricacies of French, Italian, Thai, Burmese, and Lao cuisines. Upon arriving in Buffalo in 2001, she generously shared her expertise and recipes with local chefs, including Elizabeth Sher of Pattaya Street Food, currently at WEDI's Downtown Bazaar business incubator.
Venturing to Atlanta, Boualivanh recognized the burgeoning interest in boba /bubble tea in the US. Seizing the opportunity, she established her own Bubble Tea. The response was nothing short of extraordinary; during the first weekend, she went through an impressive 600 lbs. of ice per day, raking in $5,000 in sales. It was a clear sign that her intuition and culinary prowess had struck a chord with the community.
In 2015, Boualivanh returned to Buffalo to support her sister's restaurant, Gourmet Lao Food on Grant Street, which sadly closed during the pandemic. Having learned about WEDI from her sister, Boualivanh turned to the organization when she decided to open her own establishment. At Bubble Tea inside the West Side Bazaar Boualivanh graciously serves delightful bubble teas and creamy Thai iced tea and coffee. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and a keen business acumen. Visit to experience not just a cup of tea, but a taste of Boualivanh's incredible story.
Owner: Dwayne Fitzroy Jones
Journey: Montego Bay, Jamaica to Buffalo (2023)
Established in 2024 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Dwayne Jones's culinary journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and quiet perseverance, infused with a generous sprinkle of his kind-hearted humor. Raised in the flavorful embrace of Jamaican cuisine, Dwayne initially found himself drawn more to soccer than to cooking, despite the influence of his grandmother, who ran her own restaurant in Westmoreland, Jamaica.
His path to the kitchen wasn't without its obstacles. When faced with a full culinary class in high school, Dwayne didn't let this deter him; instead, he charted his own course, enrolling in a two-year culinary program after graduation. His first food venture was at a supermarket, but it was at a meat shop where his culinary talents truly began to blossom. Persuading the owner to install a stove in the back, Dwayne started cooking lunches for himself and his colleagues, inadvertently attracting the attention of customers with the irresistible aromas wafting from his creations.
Despite starting as a dishwasher at the prestigious Iberostar resort in Montego Bay, Dwayne's passion for cooking never waned. Through hard work and persistence, he worked his way up to kitchen staff, displaying an innate talent for flavors and seasonings that couldn't be ignored. At the resort, his diverse culinary skills were honed not only in Jamaican cuisine but also in Italian, Portuguese, Mexican, and American fare.
Love brought Dwayne to Buffalo when he met his wife, Brianna, at the resort. (Brianna’s mother was so impressed with his cooking, she insisted on introducing her daughter to him.) Encouraged by Brianna, Dwayne seized the opportunity to bring his culinary dreams to fruition. His venture, Chef BigWayne Jamaican Cuisine, officially opens its doors at the West Side Bazaar on March 1, 2024, offering a tantalizing array of traditional Jamaican delicacies elevated to fine dining status, including jerk chicken, oxtail, and spicy escoviche fish.
Owners: Anhar Ibrahim Hassan-Ibraham & Mohamed Hussein Hafez-Soliman
Journey: Alexandria, Egypt to Buffalo (2015)
Established in in 2023 WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Egyptian Bites is a family-owned spot founded by husband and wife Anhar Hassan-Ibraham and Mohamed Hafez-Soliman. Eight years ago, they embarked on a transformative journey from Alexandria, Egypt with their son and daughter. In Egypt, Anhar had degrees in social science and logistics, and Mohamed was a police officer. However, in Buffalo, they had to start anew. Anhar initially worked at her brother's motel, but with encouragement from her daughter who was studying political science and economics at UB, Anhar, with Mohamed at her side, decided to pursue her love for cooking.
Applying to WEDI's business incubator program , with a business plan crafted by their son-in-law, brought Egyptian Bites to life. As their son, a graduate of City Honors and Boston University, pursues a Ph.D. in Physics at MIT, Anhar and Mohamed serve up authentic Egyptian cuisine, inviting you to savor the flavors of family, reinvention, and tradition at their restaurant.
Owner: Nathalie Zola Malu
Journey: Congo to France to Buffalo (2014)
Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Nathalie's journey from the Congo to Buffalo has been marked by her unwavering commitment to bringing people together through warm hospitality and delectable cuisine. While Nathalie initially ventured into the entrepreneurial world with a focus on self-image and fashion, her true passion for cooking has been a constant since childhood.
At her father's encouragement, Nathalie earned a degree in Pharmacy from the Université Paris XII before making her way to the USA in 2014. When the pandemic hit in 2021 and Nathalie found herself laid off from her job, she seized the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of sharing her culinary talents with the community.
Amidst challenges, Nathalie enrolled in business classes at Buffalo State University, a decision that would shape her entrepreneurial path. Encouraged by friends from the City Mission and Buffalo State, she applied for a restaurant spot at the West Side Bazaar. In 2023, she proudly opened Malkia & Co., named after her daughter, Malkia, which means "Queen" in Swahili.
In this culinary venture, Nathalie not only pays homage to her roots but also subtly connects with Buffalo, often referred to as the Queen City. Through Malkia & Co., Nathalie continues to embrace her love for hospitality, creating a space where delicious Congolese cuisine becomes a catalyst for community and connection in the heart of Buffalo.
Owner: Kathryn (Kate) Knowles
USA
Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Kate Knowles, the creative force behind Manchester Place Baking Company, infuses passion and precision into every delicious creation. Named after her home street, Kate's retail space is a testament to her WNY roots and artistic touch. Originally from the college town of Houghton, NY, Kate attended art school in Dallas before teaching art for 15 years. Returning from Texas two years ago, she boldly transitioned to become a “licensed home baker.”
Baking is not just about taste but also a canvas for Kate’s creativity. "Everything I produce for my business I try to make beautiful and delicious," she said. Inspired by frequent travels to Great Britain during her upbringing, Kate meticulously researches and adapts her recipes, drawing inspiration from family recipes, Facebook groups, and the allure of British baked goods.
Introduced to WEDI's incubator program through her parents, members of Westminster Presbyterian Church – WEDI’s founding organization, Kate found the support to pursue her baking dreams. Kate’s future goal is to open her own bakery.
Owner: Mike Diletti
USA
Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the restaurant business, Mike Diletti, the mastermind behind Orso Nero Pizza, is a culinary virtuoso with over a decade of experience in Buffalo's food scene. Having grown up amidst the savory aromas of his uncle’s Buzzy's Pizza in Niagara Falls, Mike's journey in the culinary world began at a young age. A self-professed foodie, Mike's love for exploring diverse cuisines has taken him on culinary adventures outside of his native Buffalo.
The spark to start his own restaurant ignited when he immersed himself in the rich Italian food culture of Brooklyn, NY. Determined to bring a slice of his culinary experiences to Buffalo, Mike embarked on the journey to establish Orso Nero Pizza.
Mike discovered WEDI’s business incubator program at the new West Side Bazaar via social media. Beyond the allure of a new business space, Mike found a community of like-minded chefs at WSB whose camaraderie adds an extra layer of inspiration to his culinary pursuits. Mike loves to experiment with new recipes and eagerly seeks feedback to refine his craft. Come to Orso Nero and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors Elisabeth Burn and Danielle Prester share a dedication to community well-being that seamlessly aligns with WEDI's vision: a Western New York where all residents can succeed and thrive in a culturally inclusive environment. Their practice, situated on the 2nd floor of the West Side Bazaar, emerged from a shared passion for enriching the local community through culturally informed and inclusive mental health services. Former colleagues at one of Western New York's largest mental health agencies, Elisabeth and Danielle bring a wealth of experience, diverse approaches, and a profound commitment to creating a secure, community-centric space. To schedule appointments, please contact them at:
Danielle Prester
716-387-4624
danielle@prestercounseling.com
Elisabeth Burn
Phone (716) 866-0074
email eburnlmhc@gmail.com
Owners: Phyu Thein & Ko Thet Khine
Journey: Burma/Myanmar to Thailand to Malaysia to Las Vegas, NV (2012) to Buffalo
Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Ko and Phyu met in Malaysia, where they owned their own restaurant and welcomed their son, Thet. In 2012, they recommenced their immigrant journey, moving to Las Vegas before settling in Buffalo, NY. Buffalo has one of the largest communities of Burmese secondary resettlement, (formally settled in one American city through a resettlement agency but moving to another city next) and they like so many others made their way to Buffalo seeking community and family ties.
Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, while Ko worked in the kitchens of the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. Despite facing challenges, including the temporary closure of the casino during the pandemic, they remained resilient, and Ko became the chef at Saigon Bangkok restaurant in Buffalo.
In October 2023, their dedication culminated in the opening of Phyu Thein Malaysian Restaurant, a rarity in the Buffalo food scene. Specializing in tantalizing Malaysian dishes such as Nasi Biryani and Laksa soup. In a nod to their roots, plans are underway to introduce traditional Burmese delights to their menu, a celebration of heritage and diversity. Ko and Phyu are incubating at the West Side Bazaar with plans to open their own restaurant. Their journey is a testament to their perseverance and determination to create a legacy for their children, and an inspiration for others pursuing their dreams against daunting odds.
Owner: Kimberly Behzadi
USA
Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
During the pandemic, when isolation had become the norm, Kim embarked on a mission to bring people together through the two essentials many couldn't do without—reading and eating and the Read It and Eat box subscriptions were born. Each quarterly subscription unfolds is a culinary adventure, featuring a carefully curated theme, a captivating food story (ranging from chef memoirs to articles), and a selection of 3-5 delectable items sourced from small businesses. Not just a feast for the palate, these subscriptions also contribute to the fight against hunger, with $5 from each sign-up dedicated to the cause.
From humble beginnings, Kim's venture expanded to pop-up markets and her own food-centric book fair in 2023. However, her dream always circled back to a physical space—a culinary bookstore where enthusiasts could embark on a gastronomic journey by grabbing a food item or cookbook and, above all, an adventure.
Kim's journey intersected with WEDI while researching business loans, and the community-driven, locally funded approach “resonated” with her. While her ultimate goal remains to graduate to her own “brick and mortar” building,' the West Side Bazaar is a dynamic space where Kim thrives and collaborates alongside fellow small businesses and draws inspiration from the talented chefs within. Experience your culinary adventure at the Read It and Eat Bookshop—an oasis where literature and gastronomy seamlessly converge.
Photo credit: Art is Why
Owners: Sai Kyaw Tun & Nang Muya Aye
Journey: Burma/Myanmar to Thailand to Malaysia to Buffalo (2014)
Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar
Sai Kyaw Tun spent almost a decade honing his culinary skills at the Korean Express restaurant in the University of Buffalo when a Facebook post about WEDI’s small business loans inspired him to strike out on his own, this time in partnership with his wife Nang Muya Aye. In October they joined the West Side Bazaar’s incubator program, launching Williams Kitchen.
From sizzling bibimbap to savory bulgogi, each creation is a testament to Sai’s dedication and love for authentic Korean flavors. Nang works side by side with him, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant is a family affair, named after their son, William. After school, you can find William at the cash register, doing homework and learning math. Together, they've turned Williams Kitchen into a a rare and delicious spot to find Korean food in Buffalo.
Please be advised that the West Side Bazaar catering program is paused until further notice. Our Downtown Bazaar offers catering and you can view the menu here.
Want to have your event at the West Side Bazaar? We'd be happy to host you. Contact Dana Marciniak, Catering & Events Coordinator, at dmar@wedibuffalo.org.
Parking
There is a parking lot located across the street for West Side Bazaar customers. It is suggested customers give a $5 donation. You can find parking lot instructions here.
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Limited on-street parking available on and around Niagara Street. Consider carpooling or using another mode of transportation.
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Bike: Take a ride on Niagara Street’s protected bike lane. There are outdoor racks for bike parking.
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Carpool: Invite friends because food is better when it's shared!
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Transit: Bus routes 5 (Niagara-Kenmore), 40 (Buffalo/Niagara Falls) and 26 (Delevan) will drop you off a 2-minute walk from the West Side Bazaar. We recommend downloading the Token Transit app for NFTA fare.