ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WBEN)......When's Kettle's opened and sold its first plate of wings, O.J. Simpson was still playing for the Buffalo Bills.
It has been that long.
Fifty years to be exact.
But, with owner Joelle Janish wanting to retire and the Orchard Park Volunteer Fire Co. looking for a new home for its Windom Fire Co. station, a deal was struck with the volunteer firefighting company agreeing to pay $1.15 million for Kettle's - located at 3719 Abbott Road.
Kettle's is literally across Abbott Road from the current Windom fire hall.
"Anytime you lose something that has landmark status, it can be difficult to process," said Don Lorentz, Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce executive director
The deal between the Orchard Park fire company and Kettle's is expected to close later this fall.
Kettle's remains open and will remain open through at least the end of January - or maybe longer.
Since it opened its doors in 1976, Kettle's has been a destination eatery for both Orchard Park residents and Buffalo Bills' fans. The restaurant sits in the shadow of Highmark Stadium,
"You have to give credence for what Kettles' has done," Lorentz said.
Kettle's draw wasn't just its wings and burgers - but its ambiance was draw unto itself.
Kettle's is one of several properties near Highmark Stadium that have either been sold, are under contract, or still on the local real estate market.
Among them: Another dining destination - Danny's at Big Tree and Abbott Road.
Danny's remains open.
"When these legacy businesses, like restaurants are sold, it creates a void," Lorentz said. 'The legacy of Kettle's is what they have done and been so much a part of our community for so long."
Deal allows for new Windom Fire Co. station; but end of legacy restaurant
Deal allows for new Windom Fire Co. station; but end of legacy restaurant
