Genesee Depot RIP

Not long ago, my recommendation of Genesee Depot for recognition as an LTH Forum Great Neighborhood Restaurant was rebuffed. Just as well, because sometime in the last month the place was not only closed but completely cleaned out, with a sheriff's eviction notice on the door. That's all I know, from walking by earlier today. Sad. It was my neighborhood go-to place for as long as I've lived in the neighborhood, which is 16 years, and I think it had been open a few years before that.

If anyone knows more details please let me know so my grieving can proceed.

Whenever a resaturant I like closes, I blame myself. "If only I had eaten there more often," I think.

I still have TAC Quick, but it's a longer walk.

Don't feel bad, Chuck--GD had a great run. If I recall correctly, I first ate there in 1979. In the world of restaurants, that's a ripe old age.

I'm not sure if we ever said this but the main reason for the few GNR nominees that didn't get the plaque was simply feeling that they didn't have enough depth of posting from multiple sources yet, something which could be remedied by the next go-round. In fact I had added Genesee Depot to my mental shortlist (I think I ate there once a decade or more ago, a coworker of mine really liked it). Too bad...

I first ate at the restaurant shortly after it opened. I think that was around '78 or '79. Over the years I ate there often as I lived a couple of blocks away. However, in recent years I didn't go there. No particular reason, just changed my likes/dislikes. Friends of mine went almost weekly for almost two decades, until the end - and they're telling me that the owner "decided to do something else with his life." I thought it odd that he didn't sell the business, because it had a good reputation, loyal clientel and was so well-established in the neighborhood (a pioneer business in a neighborhood that would change greatly, and for the better over the years). The above report of a Sheriff's sticker on the door adds an additional element to the final story. I wish those who'd been associated with the restaurant well.

I have a little "inside" info on this. About 2 months ago I hired a former GD employee who had been looking for work because the staff knew the restaurant would be closing. According to him, the owner had been looking for a buyer since last September. However, without a liquor lic. or a lease (he had been there on a month-to-month basis,) he was unsuccessful in finding anyone to take over. He stopped paying the rent a couple of months ago with the hopes of settling up when the business sold...hence the eviction notice.
My employee left on good terms and was given many copies of the GD menu books. If any LTH Genesee Depot fans would like a keepsake of the restaurant, he would be willing to part with several. Send me a PM and I'll do my best to hook you up.

Inspired by the comments here and private ones I have received, I have started a web guestbook where people can post their Genesee Depot memories. To access it click here.

Disclaimer: I have no official connection with Genesee Depot and don't know how to contact the former owner. I'm just a fan saddened by the loss of a favorite neighborhood place to eat.