Feb 27, 2021
OBSERVER Photo by Jo Ward
Central Station owners Kathleen Dennison and Robert Contiguglia stand in front of the Central Avenue establishment.
March 1 will mark the fifth anniversary of new ownership of Central Station Restaurant in Dunkirk. A fixture in downtown Dunkirk for over 25 years, Central Station Restaurant was purchased in 2016 by Robert Contiguglia and Kathleen Dennison, former owners of The White Inn in Fredonia. Their vision was to provide quality scratch cooking in a casual setting, and to preserve downtown Dunkirk, one sandwich at a time.
The restaurant has survived and even thrived in the COVID era. Since restaurants were deemed essential services, Central Station was never closed but dine-in service was suspended from March through June of 2020. This caused a 30% decline in revenues, but the restaurant was able to rely on its take-out and delivery options. Dine-in business has slowly returned, but is still somewhat limited, due to COVID restrictions.
The city of Dunkirk welcomed its newest downtown business S&T Redemption, 417 Central Ave.
Owners Tommy Roque and Stacy Elmore, along with their partner, Luis Pupo, recently held a grand opening celebration. The new businesses owners are excited to offer this service to the residents in the city.
“Our store is in a great location that is walkable and makes it easier for residents that may not have access to transportation,” Roque said.
Pictured are Johnathan Geiger of Graf Realty; Beth Reed, JCC Small Business Development Center; Jill Meaux, acting city of Dunkirk Development director; Mayor Wilfred Rosas, Rob Contiguglia, owner of Central Station Restaurant; Stacy Elmore, S& T Redemption; Lewis Pupo; and Tommy Roque of S&T Redemption.