BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A beloved burger joint in Allentown is closing its doors for good.
Allen Burger Venture took to social media on Thursday to announce its last day is January 31.
The post said in part, "The Buffalo food scene isn't what it used to be, and like so many small, independent restaurants, the challenges of these changing times have led us to this difficult decision."
They opened 11 years ago and hope people will come in one last time. Reservations are no longer being accepted. Seating is first-come, first-served.
We visited the restaurant on Thursday for an interview, but the owner declined at this time.
Meantime, the pending closure of Allen Burger Venture is hitting close to home for nearby businesses in the neighborhood, including Casa Azul, which opened at the corner of Allen Street and Elmwood Avenue in late 2021.
"This one hits hard for sure," said Zina Lapi, owner of Casa Azul, "ABV has been amazing, amazing neighbors. They're a huge reason why we chose to move from our previous location down to here. They were a huge proponent in getting us down here, so it's very sad to learn that they're closing up. They'll be deeply missed, but they had a phenomenal run. "
Zapi says the closure of ABV is another loss in what has been a difficult stretch.
"This year, 2025, has been an extremely tough one down here. I'm not going to lie to you—definitely our most challenging year in Allentown," said Zapi, "I think the two bars burning down were a huge loss. The closings of places like The Town and ABV, are also bad for the area. But then there are still so many amazing restaurants and bars still open and thriving."
A few other restaurants outside of Allentown, like Mint Mojito Bar on Buffalo’s West Side and Hombre Y Lobo on Swan Street, are in agreement with Zapi.
Both have posted online over the past couple of months that this year has been very tough on businesses across downtown.
Isaac Domingue, who owns Hombre Y Lobo telling 7 News that he compares 2025 to the pandemic year.
“We've all struggled. It's been a tough year. It's not been better than COVID for a lot of us. It's been tough,” Domingue said. “You look at it, and you're like, ‘Why are things closing?’ There are no people down here.”
Domingue added that they don’t intend to close, but he hopes restaurants across the city can continue to get the word out to customers and remind them to come visit and eat in the city.
Meanwhile, in Allentown, Zapi says, despite the challenges, she remains hopeful about the future of the neighborhood.
"We love being down here. It's unfortunate that we've had a couple of great places close, but we're still super optimistic and hopeful for everyone that's still engaged and involved on the street," said Zapi
WATCH: 'This one hits hard': Allentown business owners react to closure of Allen Burger Venture
Samuel Marabella, the former co-owner of Nietzsche's and the owner of House of Charm, believes the current transition in Allentown is an opportunity for other potential businesses.
"I just think it's a great time to start a business or get involved here," said Marabella, "It's gonna get better. It's getting better."
Marabella says he is currently looking at a couple of spaces to potentially open a new business in Allentown.
