Batavia Trivia - Pizza Shop in East Town Plaza?

Bea,
you have me thinking now! I don't remember that! I remember Your Host, and my mother used to work and The Big N that was there, but a pizza shop is not ringing any bells! I'll have to keep my eyes out here to see what folks remember!
Gary

Bea,
I remember that the Your Host Restaurant was located in the space between Lane's Drugs and the HFC office (which was in the corner store front). I don't remember a pizza shop.

Bea,
In the late sixties, Your Host was THE place to hang out for young teens. They used to throw us out when our money ran out and we couldn't order anything. The day the Big N opened was a proud one for that side of town -- our first big department store.

When was the pizza shop there?

I remember my mom taking me shopping for "dungarees" at Big N and lunch at Your Host, but no pizza shop. I wonder what most of this generation would answer if asked what "dungarees" are?

I don't recall a pizza shop in that plaza. But speaking of pizza, I sure do miss Lill's located in "Fays" Plaza. Fay's was the place to go and get just about anything... kind of like a mini Walmart.

If I recall the pizza shop was Joy,s Pizza, and about the same time a little bar/piano bar in the corner of the plaza called "The Careavan" or something of the like.

Lil's started as a great little sub shop farther out on West Main St next to National Fuel Gas taking over the building which housed Tastee Freeze. They then moved to Kings Plaza taking over the spot where Pizza by DiRose had been. How's that for trivia. Don't remember the East End only Your Host and we were told to stay away as shady things happened there. Maybe because the grease was too thick.

I remember the Lil's out on West Main by National Fuel-I thought one of them was called Lil's 2????I think the last owner of Checkerboard was Bob Ray-I think those were the best hamburgs EVER in Genesee County.....also,does anyone remember a restaurant that burned down on West Main where the self storage is now(before Dreamland Mobile Home Park)? I also remember a restaurant where First Niagara bank is now(I think that one burned down also).I also went to Thomas Restaurant on E.Main w/my dad-coffee and a Persian donut.....I don't ever recall a pizza place in East Town(before my time),but I do remember Your Host......

Bea,
I think Mike Bohn went out to Clinton St. after Getner's. It was called Scotland Yard. The Winner's Circle is where Ri-Dan's is now right? When I was young, I remember my Aunt taking me to a small hot dog stand near where Sport O's is now called Arena's. Sport O's back in the late 60's & til 71 when there was a fire was called John's (I worked there as a teen) Then it changed to Colonial Chef. when I was there, the people that ran Tops ( which was behind the restaurant) ran the place. I also remember going to Flavorite Farms as a kid too. That is where the Taco Place is now. There was another restaurant and bar on Main, but not near Center. It was down a bit farther, almost across from Jackson St. It was called the Posthouse. Thomas' was down farther past Endicott & Johnson & Kustas'. Also do you remember the East End Hotel? That was set back, where Pontillo's parking lot is now.

Thomas Restaurant was the brick building next to road east of Ben's Appliances(in front of WNY Concrete).Man,these posts bring back memories of going to these places when I was a kid(in the 70's).....how about Carroll's Restaurant(the"Clubburger" was my favorite there(and come to find out my wife's grandfather worked there....)

Wow, this is memory lane here people! It was Gentner's, not to be picky, but my older brother worked there. I remember the night it burned. We visited Johnny's Red Top many times. The Checkerboard was an awesome place to gather for coffee and great meals. The "Turkey Kitchen" goes down in fame to those who went there. The food and atmosphere will never be duplicated!
"Your Host" (in my memory) was owned by the Capuano family, who then ventured to "Scotland Yard" (the present Bohn's on Clinton). Their son has been a City Fire Fighter for many years now!

I would beg sometimes to go to Flavorite Farms (the only "drive thru" in Batavia), and my folks would cringe thinking of the traffic from the Downs. (Anyone remember the huge crowds that would flock for the horse races?) Only then to beg to stop at the popcorn stand across from Denny's! (I have the recipe for the special butter he used).

I went to Carrol's every day on my lunch while in Junior High (middle school). I got a sandwich, fries & a drink for less than a dollar!

Remember:
Salway's Hardware?
Tops being where the Dollar Store is?
Figlow's Pizzeria?
A&P where Dollar Tree, Subway, etc. is?
The Star Market where the Salvation Army is now?
Marshall's Book Store?
New York Telephone?
Newberry's?
Grant's?
Noah's Ark?
Genesee Farms?
Marlee's?
Norban's?
Marchese's Market? (corner of Main & Trumbull)?
The Sweet Shop?

All the "hot rod" cars parked in the Big N plaza?

I should stop with a newer one for our books - Pontillo's

Stores and buildings come and go, but our memories are forever ours. Peace to all.

Amy,
The Posthouse, not Your Host was operated by the Capuano's. They moved to Scotland Yard when the building's were tore down for "The Mall". And it was their nephew that's the firefighter.

Bea,
can't remember the VFW, but Tully's is where Carol's restaurant was built.

Carrolls was the best.... we were never allowed to go to Red Barn(where Settler's is now) because my Mom heard there was a "health issue" but I heard a Barney Burger was really good. Also, Mancuso's was THE place for a little bit more fancy date when you were in high school. I remember Lill's being out on W. Main St.. it was tiny.. so we alway got a pizza to take home.

ok, just a couple more...
Granny's Attic, Dagwood rest.
and the Surprise Store!?!?

Granny's Attic? Was that the place that was on the corner of Main & Walnut St. when there was still a road over the bridge? Dagwood - oh wow- first place I ever worked. Right near Brenners on the corner of Bank & Main. And Surprise Store & Enterprise on the otherside for men's clothing.

Bea,

Wow! My mind is reeling with this post. You are all bringing back some wonderful memories...

I was so sad when Gentners burned. I was just a little kid, but I remember going there once to see the Notre Dame Drama club perform "Your a Good Man Charlie Brown". That had to be 1973???

I refused to eat at the Red Barn after my Dad kiddingly pointed it out one day on way home from Lablaws and told me that that was where the "losers" from the Downs were sent!

Carrolls was always my favorite. Does anyone remember how they used to replace the Red & White Light fixtures with big Orange Jack-o-lanterns at Halloween?

Some of my best local restaurant memories are when my folks would take me out with them to Scotland Yard, after they got done working Bingo on Friday night at N.D. The Bingo crew would go out for Fish Fry and drinks there at 10 o'clock. Being a 9 year old kid, getting to sit at the bar and drink 7 up and order Chicken Wings with the adults made me feel so grown up.

I also sigh every time I pass the Thomas Restaurant. They had the best Jelly Donuts. Dad would take me there for donuts on Saturday mornings.

Such wonderful memories...

There was another burger place (where Arbys is) Henrys or Harvey's or something?

Mr Bills... on Ellicott St just down from South side deli. (my uncle took us there for Sunday morning burgers after church)

I remember going to the Maple leaf for lunch for grilled cheese and Anderson's orange pop in the glass bottles.

Going to the movies on a summer afternoon at the Dipson theater with a dollar and it was enough to get in AND buy a treat.

Susan,
That was Henry's. The only fast food place that had hotdogs. Then it became Arthur Treachers for awhile

I remember the Red Barn. We went for burgers there and the hamburger meat was spoiled. I remember that building became spyro gyro for awhile.

Mr. Bun's I could not remember the name of that place, but new it was there, had been there several times. Still trying to think of the name of the restauant on Ellicott where the Steakhouse owners moved to after the fire. Same building

Anyone remember Arthur Treacher Fish & Chips in Batavia?

Does anyone remember the Pic-A- Deli, on Clinton St. Rd.? It was on the corner of 7 springs Rd. I also remember going to Carolls Resturant for burgers when I was young. Bea, you have really stirred up memories for me too. My grandma Viele worked at the Steakhouse for years, as a server, when she was young. That was the place to go for a great meal, I hear. My husband has told me stories about the South Side of town, back in the day, and the bakery he used to go to for donuts, and sweets.
I wonder, does anyone have any old pictures, or videos from back then? I believe I have videos from St.Anthonys church, and the fam.

Gabor, wasnt the Red Barn where Settlers is now? I also remember going to STAR Market, and Marcheese Bells, for groceries with my mother. My hubby just told me of a few more places he remembers as a kid. The building at Ellicott Square used to be a GO-GO dancing place, and when he was about 5 or so he would walk by and see the dancers in the window with their frilly dresses, dancing. He also named a few general stores too. Mr. Perks, Stompers, and the Suprise Store. I had to slow him down, as I couldnt write them fast enough.

S&M green stamps

S & H Tom

how about when you filled your car with gas you got glasses or china

Karen, yep Settler's now.

My Mother would take me to Carrs for clothes shopping or up to the top floor to pay the bill then go next door to Newberry's for a Tuna Melt and milkshake, I miss that store w/it's old creaky wood floors and sooo crowded during Christmas time but everyone was patient.

OMG ! I thought it was me, S & M greenstamps (teehee).

Yea Gabor,
I laughed when I saw it too... wonder what he was thinkin'

I remember JJ new berrys they used to have some cheap food there....Great for a single guy at the time.

greenstamps

I remember jj newberrys warped wooden floor and the counter with old stools that spun. I only used to get coffee there but loved to shop !
Sorry to Tom coz I am sure he wasnt thinking about S & M but I am scared that I caught it ! lol.

That's OK I remember when I was 6 or 7 years old my late dad using those I think at Tops when it was across the street from were it is now.

I think Star market was one that had the yellow stamps also, and you filled a sheet and got free stuff.

The "Penthouse" was the name of the restaurant that the owners of The Steakhouse opened in the 1980's over on Ellicott street. It was in the old Mr. Buns building.

What is it about double entendre's and Ellicott Street? Mr. Buns, The Penthouse, S&M Green Stamps, Go Go dancers? Hmmm...must be something about the Southsiders...

There was a Penthouse restaurant down Ellicott St. farther down across from where fire house II is/was. I think Maquire (sp) was the name of the people that had the Steakhouse. They were the one's that put the glass block front that is on there now & it was a 2 level restaraunt, and I still can't think of the name.

Yes Bea, the Old Gold coupons. My dad had always smoked them, at least til he quit.

Yes, McGuire was their name. My girlfriend used to babysit for them. They lived over on Bank Street.

Anyone rememember these stores The Big N,Ames or Fays???

how about Twin Fair?

Wasnt that where the new Social services building is now ? (twin fair). And the county building on RT 5 what night club was that ?

I remember the Twin Fair !
Anyone remember the place called "Century" hope I spelled it right it was east side of Batavia? I remember looking though catalogs and you fill out a form to get your items!!! It was like the old Brand Names down by Dollar General

Yes Gabor, that's where it was. and the old county building started out as Valu. Valu moved and that was then the start of GCC (know as Valu tech) before going out where it is now.

I remember that place too.

Tom, I remember century! stupid little golf pencils..hahahah. I did more looking then buying.

I think thats were I got my first computer from a Texas Instruments TI44/4A it was like $300+ dollars can you believe it and I can't even sell one for $15.00 now 20+ years later

LOL ;)

Yeah its like wen i was in high school we had "doogie howser" type computers (a few). couldnt use them but writing loops and simple commands. Keep that computer and eventually a museum will buy it. LOL.

The nightclub out on Route 5 (East Main) was called the "Primitive Scene". I think it had a cave man motif. Funny.

I remember getting my little league baseball glove at Century. A Wilson "Paul Blair" Model. That was an odd store.

Ya I remember those I think they were called terminals and back then there was no such thing as the windows operating system. I'm pretty sure that was just before DOS came out on Intel's 8088 processor they were 100's of dollars back then and now you can find them at the salvation Army sometimes

WOW that was a long time ago.

Tom

What was Christinas before? We remember Buccaneer....what else was it.
How about Mooneys, Buccaneer, Candlelight, Good Friend Shop, Peter's Deli, Ann's Paint Store, Hamilton Hotel

Blue Bus Terminal on Court St, Francis & Meads, Boston, Scott & Bean, Quartley's Deli, Millinery Hat Shop, Sears, Penneys on Main, Danny Faxton, Kinneys and Things Shoe Store

Holy smokes!!!I go to work and have to spend 20 minutes catching up w/ all the posts! Ok-supermarkets-Marchese Bells where the Social ecurity building in EastTown Plaza,I think another Bells out where Joann Fabrics is now,Kings Dept. store(where Valu is now)-I also think there was ACME grocery store,the Genesee Farms stores(Ellicott St,Main St. Then we had Pizza Partners on Ellicott St-I remember when John Candy was making a film around here and he stopped by there-the Daily had an article on it.Pelligrinos Restaurant (just north of wortzman Furniture).I used to love going to Century(where Upson Maybach is now).Big Daddy's on Main St,Gentleman Jims in the mall.

OK - Winners circle was out in Bushville later known as The fieldhouse. Noone mentioned Vic's restaurant where McDonalds is now which was next to Boyles Motor Sales. Noone mentioned Stompers on Ellicott St. The best Rye bread in the whole area. How about the PopCorn at the Mill Outlet store. That popcorn machine still sits at Town of Batavia Fire Hall kitchen. My dad moved it there the last night before the store closed. I remember the little popcorn cart that sat near Benny's on W Main St. As far as the Checkerboard the Bonarigo's John and Laura ran it before Bob Ray. Remember the putt putt golf course behind it? Brantons Dairy the only place that served Coffee Ice Cream in the area! I think the building Dr Niak is in now on W Main was also a restauant or banquet hall.

Bea, you ignited a firestorm of great memories!!! Does anyone remember the name of the grocery store where Bells and Loblaws was that sold only generic products? All the packaging was yellow with black letters. The beer was called BEER, the paper towels were called PAPER TOWELS and so on. It was the ultimate utilitarian store and as I remember, didn't last too long.

Bea did the same thing with a question a couple months ago too. but not quite as much response as this one. It was Red's taxi last time.

Thomas,
the nightclub on Rt. 5, before primitive scene, it started out as devil's rock. After that it was called Cell Block or Cell Block A.

I have no idea what dungarees are.

that's what they called jeans back in the ol' days

To me, the "old days" are the Reagan years...lol

This is one of the most awesome posts I've ever seen! Can I please take it further?
Pellegrino's Bakery (the one on Jackson, not the new one they built)
Bill's Meat Market (on Swan)
The Dairy Queen that had 2 places(East Town Plaza & Dave's Ice Cream now).
Trautwein's Fish Market (on Ellicott)
George's Dairy (on 98)
Gioia's Drug Store (original sign was removed only last year...it was just covered up! I saw it!)
The Short Stop (on Oak)
Liberty Street Lumber Yard
The original YMCA
The original Methodist Church (next to the YMCA)
Marchese's Market (corner of 5 & Trumbull where the pool place is now)

Thanks Gary for being the only one who remembered the popcorn wagon! The people lived in the house that is the hair salon now...the "wagon", I've heard, is in a museum somewhere, not sure where.

The "Winner's Circle/Fieldhouse turned into the "Hollywood Lounge" for a while, now it's a good pet grooming business, I believe...please correct me if I'm wrong!

I did lose a bit of "memory" on the Posthouse/Scotland Yard thing, a later post was correct! Thanks!

What a terrific trip down Batavia's "memory lane"!

Can we keep it going for a while longer? With all that's going on in the world, this is fun! Peace to all.

The Devil's Rock was McNastys for a while. And remember Vinyl Jungle in the old Kmart Plaza?

I remember both, Beth! Vinyl Jungle became Unicorn Audio, I think. The old "bar" is now County Line Electric.

I remember lots of smoking paraphernalia at Vinyl Jungle and going to my first all ages show at McNastys.

Then we had Genesea Food (where Blondies is now).Ahhh,memory lane-this is a nice change of pace.Thanks Bea for starting this trip! I remember quite a few of these places.Right next to Monro muffler,there used to be a beverage store where you could go around w/ a case and choose the flavor of pop you wanted(in glass bottles)-similar to the Angotti's old location on West Main where Rite-aid is now.I also haven't seen The Hub restaurant mentioned yet,but that hasn't been gone that long yet.

Geesh,here was a real popular place on the south side-Wandryk's Superette!! They used to have excellent meat.It's amazing-the Pok-A-Dot still outlives many businesses-I haven't been there in a while,I need to go soon for a beef on weck!

Pelligrino's originally had a place on Liberty St.,

There was a Carvel Ice Cream if I am not mistaken in Eastown Plaza for a while also.

And How about the original YWCA. That was on the corner of Main & Summit where the bank is now.

Amy your right about the Winner's Circle.

Also, I forgot about Devil's Rock being McNasty's too.

Bea, yes, I remember that and I also remember that they had dances on the weekends. I also camped at different places with the Y-teens during the summer.

How about all the places that used to be in the mall in Batavia???

What about them Tom? I can't speak for others on here, but the memories of all places mentioned, are far different,and in my opinion, don't think any of us that have these memories wanted the mall to begin with. And I don't know if there are Mall memories. I do remember some of the stores there, but I did not go to the Mall to shop very often. Maybe some of the younger people on here have different thoughts on it. People under 50 may have gone there more so than I because by the time it was built, I was out of school and just watched all my childhood & teen year memories torn down.

I remember the Century store. They were a chain outfit. Holis Upson has a business in that building now.

Do you remember the Troopers Barracks being out that way also? It was the lot where C& R Auto Sales was for a long time.

What about the Tijuana Lounge with motel on West Main?

I remember that, it's now Ri-Dans

There was also a small bar on W. Main, I think just before Colonial West. Motel. I remember going there before Devil's Rock opened, but can't remember the name. It had the work "Vine" in it. Can Someone help me here???

Hey Tom, I think what lucille was trying to say is this is a closed post to younger people.

And please lucille dont speak for me. If anyone wants to even remember the mall they should be allowed.

Tom is a good guy.

Gabor, please reread my post, I was not speaking for anyone and was giving an opinion. Is today my day?

Did you grow up here? What do you remember of the Mall?

Could the bar you are thinking of be The Concord? or Blondies? both were on west main.

Ron,

Where were those? I remember those names. But the one I am thinking of may have also been a small restaurant also. I think used cars are there now. I don't remember how long it lasted once Devil's Rock opened, because that became the hangout. the year was 1970. Vineyard doesn't sound right to me or Grapevine. I just can't remember it's name.

"Cille" this has been a fun read. Earlier you were trying to recall a restaurant on Ellicott St. Was it Ellicott Square?
Amy Davis mentioned Liberty Street Lumber. I remember your father worked there with Jim Holvey. They were good friends and hunting buddies. One of my earliest memories of autumn was walking outside my grandmother's house and seeing the two of them sitting on the tailgate of Jim's Country Squire with a slew of ringneck pheasants and a red fox.
Those were the days when we used to get the cardboard boxes from the loading box at Max Pies, flatten them out and slide down the grassy slope of South Jackson St. bridge.
Do you remember being told, "Be in the house when the street lights come on?"

Hey Jim,
Oh yes I do! and be home for dinner when the church bells ring!

There were always never ending things for us to do as kids! But the boxes down the hill were the best. And now days they have nothing to do. And we didn't have all of the electronics available now either.

Dad had always looked forward to hunting. I remember helping him with the pheasants, rabbits, deer.

Ellicott Square could have been the name of the place. I just for the life of me can't remember it. The natural food store is there now. It's funny how somethings can come back plain as day and others not.

Earlier someone asked about Christina's. It was the Buccaneer and wasn't it also called Ange's?

Good to hear from you and love your articles!

Thanks Cille. As I recall, your dad was a great wing shot. You're right,Angie's did precede the Buccaneer.

Bea McManis, you mentioned "Brownie" LaRussa was your uncle.That jogged my memory - did you live on Cherry Street and attend St. Anthony's?

Lucille,
Concord and Blondie's were just across the street from Bob Hawks motors, I think we have the name (Concord) right, but I could be wrong, something to do with wine for sure.

Ya know Ron, the more I think about that name maybe that was it. Well, Concord grapes, grapevine.... word association I guess. I will have to dig deep into that dead zone. Bob Hawkes Motors? What is there now?

Does anyone remember The Black Outs during the war?
What about The Sugar Bowl, and the lady who always wore black?

Upstate Toyota is where Bob Hawkes used to be-then te Rotary gas station was almost next door.Then remember the Minute Man gas station on Clinton St(Lickity Splits now)-and the Country Kitchen on Clinton also.

Then we must be talking about the same place. I do remember both of those places. Wasn't the drive-in around there somewhere also?

Jim - My Dad worked at Doehler-Jarvis for 38 yrs. I remember him taking me to Liberty St Lumber to buy wood for his projects! He wasn't a hunter, but liked to fish on Black Lake with my oldest brother. I lived in that house (rented apt.) for 5 yrs. until it burned in 1995 and they tore it down. I had the original built-in shelves and money window in my living room!

I will be 50 this year and I remember the people watching with the tears that came the day the historic buildings on Main were razed. The streets bustled with people, at Christmas time it was so crowded you could hardly move! Then came hope for something new, better. It just didn't happen. My fondest memory of the mall was flying a kite in the parking lot on the east side because there were no cars or traffic. If someone has good memories that happened at the mall I am totally open to hearing them! This is a trip down Batavia's memory lane, and open to everyone, no age limit! Older folks will remember different things than the younger ones will! Can we keep this one nice?

This could be a post for the record Howard!

By the way, anyone remember the Milky Way? (it was a shack on Clinton, they had the best take-out fish fry).

Peace,all

Actually, Bea...
I'm relaying this article to my Mom, and she keeps naming different things. She is enjoying all these comments. But, I love to hear about the "old Batavia". Hard to imagine for someone my age, that never saw that hustle and bustle on Main Street. I hope it continues....

What about Mancuso's Motors.Right near the post office.I think State and Main...Had the indoor show room..Every fall they would have all the new model year cars covers up ..The cars styles changed every year..It was a big deal..

Anyone remember Star Drycleaners on the corner of Summit st and Main st? Where Key Bank is now. Uncle Joe Rapheal owned that, and my hubby used to hang on the electric rack and ride it around with his cousin little Joe. Or does anyone remember when St. Joe's Church steeple burned?? Bea this has stirred up a whole lot of memories for Mike too. He grew up on Goade Park, off Ellicott, near Preolo's Corner Store.

Bea,
you no doubt remember the little grocery on Liberty St. across from Cherry. "Nick's on Liberty" was one of the numerous mom & pop stores found throughout the southside. Walking home from St. Anthony's it was a popular stop for popsicles and licorice.

Amy Davis,
I remember your Dad. Easter vacation during our senior year your brother Steve and myself along with Greg May and Phil Olverd were heading to Daytona in your brother's '65 mustang. Not only was the car in rough shape, not one of us had permission to make that trip. A few phone calls were made and we were stopped before we made it out of Batavia. Despite the setback the four of us were in Daytona 24 hrs. later - your dad let us take his new Buick Skylark.

Bea,
I asked my mom about the synagogue. She seemed to think it was about across from Blakely Place which would make it that big apartment house is. I don't remember A drycleaners on the corner of Main & Summit either. There may have been one where Continental school is now.

I haven't seen anything about the Big E restaurant or bakery on East Main went there many Sundays after church to buy donuts. Also had to stop at Ash's Deli on West Main to pick up the Sunday Paper. My grandmother raised poultry and cleaned and dressed them to be sold at Wandryk's on Ellicott St.

Bea,

It may have been where Thomas's was, in front of WNY Concrete.

Posted by Gabor Deutsch on July 11, 2009 - 3:13pm
Hey Tom, I think what lucille was trying to say is this is a closed post to younger people.

And please lucille dont speak for me. If anyone wants to even remember the mall they should be allowed.

Tom is a good guy.

Thanks Gador thats OK

Bea,
I'll have to ask her about the cider mill.

I remember getting milk delivered to the house. I don't remember about the cream, but remember the milk boxes sitting outside the door. I still have one. The bottles also had a cardboard/paper type top that would slowly rise if the milk started to freeze.

The only thing I could smell from my house was donuts and bread baking at the crack of dawn drifting over from Pelligrino's

We lived across the street from the cider mill. It had just closed (~1954 or 55) and sat vacant until torn down and remained an unimproved lot for years. The synagogue was a few lots north of the cider mill. Its rabbi lived in the back and regularly slaughtered chickens (kosher ceremony).

Just reliving the 3 pages of memories here... great stuff. I realize this thread was started 10 years ago and last added to in 2014, so I wonder if anyone other than me is looking at it these days? Back in the era of Arena's and Johnny's Red Top I recall another diner across the intersection in the vicinity of where Rite Aid & Clors is/was. I was very young and not sure of the name, but I think it was Castie's or Kristie's... ? Someone already mentioned Genesee Farms drive-thru... that was owned and operated by Rocco Arena.

And lastly for me... I CAN'T BELIEVE NO ONE MENTIONED STOMPER'S BAKERY... I've never had anything like their breads and donuts. Sadly we never will again now with the passing of Jack Stomper... he told me that all the family recipes were in his head and not written down... such a sorrow.