How is Welch still in charge? She has single-handedly ruined the entire vision and foothold that WEDI and WSB has accomplished since its inception. Is the board scared? That place has been on fire since the fire. Further, the entire thing being run by a bunch of white privileged people looks alot like colonizing and literally the opposite of what WEDI and the Bazaars are supposed to support. Right? Or am I trippin? Not a great look. Either way, Welch has to go, yesterday!
Thanks for putting on your investigative reporter’s hat and bringing us this report. I am shocked and disappointed after reading it. Shocked because I have been so impressed with the incubator experience the original bazzar and two new ones have offered to help new restaurateurs and the spin-off benefit to the community of introducing us to many talented new Buffalo residents from other countries and their native cuisines. Disappointed because I had admired what WEDI had accomplished going by back to the original Grant Street bazaar. But something has gone very wrong and I hope the WEDI board will take decisive action to address the problems and that our beloved bazaars are not doomed because of the errors that have been made.
Wow, how disappointing. Both bazaars are such amazing places. It would be such a shame for mismanagement to bring down these important community resources. Great reporting on this, and I hope this story makes a difference with decision makers. I also hope you are able to report on updates after the board meeting!
Heartbreaking indeed. The west side bizarre on Niagara Street has been a unique boon to the neighborhood. I had recently noticed that some of my favorite vendors had closed up and gone. Thanks for pulling back the curtain. It’s a bit shocking, but it has to be out in public. I really hope your article helps push them to get better management there and that the bazaar continues on and the mission actually thrives.
Thanks for making us aware! My question is whatever happened to that guy that used to "run" the old Bazaar? Mike, maybe? He was the glue and consistent smiling face when you walked in the door. I watched him help many tenants through the pandemic door dash phase of the old bazaar. This seems like a very different vibe from the old location and perhaps given the size of the space, it's not apparent to customers. How could they downplay such an integral role?
I don't have exact timing, but Mike was part of the original interview process for all the first round vendors for the West Side Bazaar but left shortly after the West SIde Bazaar opened in October 2023. He at least interviewed me (edited for grammar)
How is Welch still in charge? She has single-handedly ruined the entire vision and foothold that WEDI and WSB has accomplished since its inception. Is the board scared? That place has been on fire since the fire. Further, the entire thing being run by a bunch of white privileged people looks alot like colonizing and literally the opposite of what WEDI and the Bazaars are supposed to support. Right? Or am I trippin? Not a great look. Either way, Welch has to go, yesterday!
Wow. This absolutely sucks. I love the food at both these places and it would be a disaster to see them close.
Thanks for putting on your investigative reporter’s hat and bringing us this report. I am shocked and disappointed after reading it. Shocked because I have been so impressed with the incubator experience the original bazzar and two new ones have offered to help new restaurateurs and the spin-off benefit to the community of introducing us to many talented new Buffalo residents from other countries and their native cuisines. Disappointed because I had admired what WEDI had accomplished going by back to the original Grant Street bazaar. But something has gone very wrong and I hope the WEDI board will take decisive action to address the problems and that our beloved bazaars are not doomed because of the errors that have been made.
Arthur, you and me are soulmates. WHAT HE SAID ^^^
Great article. Such a debacle.
Wow, how disappointing. Both bazaars are such amazing places. It would be such a shame for mismanagement to bring down these important community resources. Great reporting on this, and I hope this story makes a difference with decision makers. I also hope you are able to report on updates after the board meeting!
This story is frustrating and sad. My best wishes are with all of the tenants who are working so hard and doing their best to make a go of things.
Good reporting but very sad.
Heartbreaking article because that is a place I love. This sort of journalism is also why I am glad to be a subscriber!
Heartbreaking indeed. The west side bizarre on Niagara Street has been a unique boon to the neighborhood. I had recently noticed that some of my favorite vendors had closed up and gone. Thanks for pulling back the curtain. It’s a bit shocking, but it has to be out in public. I really hope your article helps push them to get better management there and that the bazaar continues on and the mission actually thrives.
Thanks for making us aware! My question is whatever happened to that guy that used to "run" the old Bazaar? Mike, maybe? He was the glue and consistent smiling face when you walked in the door. I watched him help many tenants through the pandemic door dash phase of the old bazaar. This seems like a very different vibe from the old location and perhaps given the size of the space, it's not apparent to customers. How could they downplay such an integral role?
I don't have exact timing, but Mike was part of the original interview process for all the first round vendors for the West Side Bazaar but left shortly after the West SIde Bazaar opened in October 2023. He at least interviewed me (edited for grammar)