New Shea's CEO always kept a taste for Buffalo

Michael G. Murphy has been living in San Diego for over two decades, but he still has a taste for Buffalo – figuratively and literally.

For his 40th birthday party, the Gowanda native had 125 beef on weck rolls shipped over to San Diego.

“I’m very excited to be able to come back to Buffalo,” Murphy said in a Skype conversation with 7 Eyewitness News.

On October 3rd, Murphy will take the helm of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. He’ll be handed the torch from retiring President and CEO Tony Conte.

“When I heard about the opportunity with Shea’s, that Tony, after his incredible tenure, was stepping down… I said,‘Wow I need to look into that,'” Murphy said.

The Gowanda native is looking forward to living closer to his family and friends, but he’s particularly excited about the local food favorites.

“I’m excited about Paula’s Donuts and Ted’s Hot Dogs and beef on weck.”

Of course, he’s also looking forward to working in the Buffalo theater community. Murphy says he plans to build on the foundation that Conte has laid over his 15 year tenure.

Murphy wants to work more with local schools and colleges, and integrate Shea’s, 710 Main Theatre, and the smaller Smith Theatre further into the community.

“The dynamic of the arts in Buffalo is extraordinary. The audiences are thirsting for what Shea’s and the other theaters give to them,” Murphy said.

And good news for the new Shea's president: the nearest Ted's is less than a half mile away from his new office.