At a time when Buffalo is seeing a slew of restaurants close - many citing the lack of customers coupled with rising operational costs - some are wondering what the city needs to do to slow down the trend.
In its social media posts announcing its Jan. 31 closing, the ABV ownership team said "Buffalo's food scene isn't what it used to be" as one of the primary reasons for its pending closure.
But, some say that while the ABV is a cautionary tale about the struggles of small businesses, especially those in the restaurant industry, it may also be an economic and development telltale sign that more help is needed for small businesses.
"It may be part of a larger trend," said Jonathan White, Allentown Association president.
And, it's not just a Buffalo or Western New York issue. It is a national trend.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as many as 50% of all restaurants close within five years of their opening.
An estimated 17% to 20% close within their first year of operation.
Some 60% to 65% close within 10 years.
"Restaurants are the life blood of a community," said Joel Feroleto, Buffalo Common Council president and whose Delaware District is dotted with a wide range of restaurants and bars.
Feroleto said the council, in concert with new Mayor Sean Ryan's administration, has to make helping small businesses, like restaurants, survive and thrive in the city.
"It helps everyone in the city," Feroleto said.
White said one such solution is to encourage more developments that bring residential critical mass into all Buffalo neighborhoods.
More residents equates to more people to eat at neighborhood restaurants, White says.
"You can't have a vacant apartment building sitting in the middle of Allen Street," White said. "We need these buildings filled up."
White is also quick to note that while ABV is closing, Allen Street has seen several new restaurants open and thrive including the Billy Club and Beacon Grille.
White is confident another restaurant may work its way into the ABV building, 175 Allen Street, just as ABV took over for the Quaker Bonnet. The ABV opened in 2015.
Still, Buffalo's restaurant graveyard has seen such eateries as Toutant (Ellicott Street); The Garage (Hertel Avenue); Little Club (Hertel Avenue), Misuta Chow's (Main Street); and Nick's Place (Amherst Street) close in recent months.
Meanwhile, such new restaurants as The Rose Bar (199 Scott Street), the Bodi Corp. (487 Main Street) and Guacado Mexican Grill (490 Pearl Street) have either opened, or will soon open.
"There is a natural ebb and flow," White said.