West Side Bazaar

West Side Bazaar

1432 Niagara Street
Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 8 pm

Join us for Buffalo Restaurant Week October 15 - 19! Review our menu here.

Assemblyman Jonathan D. Rivera enjoys samples from the West Side Bazaar during our grand opening week.

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 Egyptian, Congolese, Malaysian, Jamaican, American Soul food, and Korean cuisines. There is a food retail booth that sells bubble tea and smoothies, a retail booth that sells items from Sri Lanka, a retail booth that sells natural skincare products, and a bar that serves beer and wine on the first floor with additional booths for pop-up events. On the second floor, there are 2 professional offices, The Gathering Space, a Learning Lab, a commissary kitchen, a wellness room for nursing moms, and additional seating.

West Side Bazaar FAQs

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.

West Side Bazaar Business application

Your West Side Bazaar Businesses

The West Side Bazaar is an certified Bike Friendly NY business. Learn more about Bike Friendly NY here.

Bubble Tea & Smoothie Bar

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.

Chef BigWayne Jamaican Cuisine

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.

Egyptian Bites

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.

Malkia & Co.

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.

Elisabeth Burn LMHC (top) & Danielle Prester LMHC (bottom)

Established in 2023 in WEDI’s West Side Bazaar

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

Phyu Thein Malaysian Restaurant

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.

The Asian Boutique

Owner: Romala Ranjendran

Journey: Sri Lanka to Buffalo (Arr. 2006)

Established in 2015 in WEDI's West Side Bazaar (25 Grant Street)

Romala grew up in a small village in Northern Sri Lanka but was displaced to Negombo, in Western Sri Lanka due to civil war. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, she moved her family to the US, eventually settling in Buffalo. She hopes to bring Sri Lankan cuisine to Western New York in the future.

“My passion is to bring pieces of my culture to Western New York through cultural clothing, jewelry, art work, and home décor.”

William's Kitchen Korean Comfort Food

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.

Order online

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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.

Limited on-street parking available on and around Niagara Street. Consider carpooling or using another mode of transportation.
Bike: Take a ride on Niagara Street’s protected bike lane. There are outdoor racks for bike parking.
Carpool: Invite friends because food is better when it's shared!
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.

Thank you to our capital campaign supporters

West Side Bazaar Press

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1432 Niagara Street Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 8 pm

Join us for Buffalo Restaurant Week October 15 - 19! Review our menu here.

Your West Side Bazaar Businesses

Parking

West Side Bazaar Press

1432 Niagara Street
Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 8 pm