'Blue Collar' Swannie House due to re-open by early 2027

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As he walks around the gutted Swannie House, Kevin Gould can't help but smile.

Gould is overseeing the rebirth of one of Buffalo's oldest taverns - bringing it back to life after it sat idle for the past two years after longtime owner Tim Wiles died.

Gould's partners include his brother Brian and Bill Paladino, Ellicott Development CEO.

"We are saving a piece of Buffalo's history," Paladino said.

Reviving the Swannie House is a project of love for Gould, especially when he considers its history and legacy.

"It's iconic because the Swannie represents blue collar Buffalo," Gould said.

Located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street, the Swannie dates back to 1886.

The Swannie was a classic shot-and-a-beer bar, completely unpretentious where factory workers, elected officials and white collar workers could sit next to each other at the bar while downing an adult beverage or eating a burger or wings.

It was that kind of place and Gould has pledged to bring back that vibe.

"The history of the Swannie needs to be preserved, not only for today, but for future generations too," Gould said.

Right now, the entire building is being stripped down to its barest of bones including some original hardwood floors and studs dating back to when the Swannie was constructed in the late 1800s.

Perhaps the most notable change is painting the exterior from its orange/red color scheme to what Gould calls "Sabres and Bills deep blue."

Gould said even with the renovations - including new windows and a revamped second floor dining area - it will still feel like "the Swannie."

Gould is no stranger to running legacy restaurants. His resume includes running the Blackthorn and Potter's Field - two South Buffalo mainstays.

When the Swannie re-opens in early 2027, the menu will feature its signature wings, burgers and chili but also new items will be added too.

"At the end of the day, we - and I - want to do right by this," Gould said.