Buffalo, NY –Shango Bistro (Shango) announced that after fifteen years of service they were approved for a liquor license, overcoming challenges from an obscure rule in the NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Law. Until today, Shango could only serve beer and wine because of their proximity to St. Joseph University Parish and School. Locally owned restaurants depend on revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages to keep their doors open.
A prohibition-era rule prevents the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) from issuing liquor licenses to establishments “on the same street or avenue and within 200 feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.” Few exemptions to this law from 1933 are allowed and Governor Cuomo signed stand-alone legislation duly passed by the New York State Legislature (A10707/S8662) so the license could be issued to Shango.
“I am thankful to everyone who helped us navigate this complex legal issue. Running a restaurant is difficult in the best of times and we are operating in the most perilous business environment imaginable,” said chef-owner Jim Guarino. “Fortunately, Shango’s loyal customers kept us afloat during the most severe COVID related restrictions and thanks to Senator Kennedy and Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes we finally have the tools we need to serve our customers for years to come.”
“I wish Shango the best of luck and I hope they will continue to call the University District home for fifteen more years,” said Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “The economic impact of COVID-19 is being felt throughout Western New York and its hitting small, family-owned businesses especially hard. My office will continue to work on strengthening our economy while keeping residents safe.”
“It was an absolute pleasure to help Shango, an anchor establishment in the University District, secure a license that will only further grow their family restaurant,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “This was truly an effort driven by the community, and this win couldn’t come at a more needed time – a time when our small businesses are going above and beyond to keep their doors open and their customers served safely. Special thanks to Jim Guarino for continuing to invest in our city; cheers to many more years of continued success!”
Shango is owned by Buffalo-native Jim Guarino, an award-winning, self-taught chef inspired by the soulful culture, music, and cuisine of New Orleans. Chef Jim is in the kitchen at least six days a week and he is currently busy preparing new menu options, cocktail and otherwise, and COVID-friendly anniversary specials. “We have the opportunity to celebrate Shango’s fifteen-year anniversary in the most fitting way imaginable. I look forward to creating a craft cocktail menu and entrees that allow our guests explore the flavors and history of New Orleans in a whole new way,” Guarino will announce his new menu items and anniversary specials soon. Plans for a NOLA-scale anniversary party are on hold until the current public health threat subsides.
Shango Bistro and Wine Bar strives to awaken the senses through Chef Jim Guarino’s culinary creations, a Wine Spectator-awarded wine list 170 bottles strong, and our eclectic, carefully hand-selected beer menu. Shango embodies the spirit of a true neighborhood bistro — offering a light, fun atmosphere paired with serious food and drink, in a safe and socially distanced setting.