LOCKPORT — Among the concerns expressed by Mayor John Lombardi III about PathStone Development’s proposed renovation of the Bewley Building is the future of Cousin’s Cafe.
Like the Bewley Building’s barber shop and shoe shine stand, a coffee shop was once a common ground-floor feature of office buildings to meet the demands of suited businessmen on the go. Diane J. Sansone has owned and operated Cousin’s Cafe for 31 years, and may have some big decisions ahead.
During PathStone’s presentation of its proposed Bewley Building floor designs in May, Lombardi remarked that he did not see space for the cafe identified in the building plans.
Charlie Oster, vice president of real estate development for Edgemere Development, a consultant for PathStone, acknowledged that the cafe was not part of the current layout, but it could be incorporated. Oster said that while current businesses would not be able to remain in the building during remediation work, PathStone would pay for moving expenses and rent elsewhere for businesses that would want to remain operating at the Bewley Building.
On a recent afternoon, Sansone was taking orders from a party of five, while three other diners finished their meals. Decorated with Lucille Ball memorabilia and ledges on the wall holding Polaroid pictures, Cousin’s Cafe has been personalized by Diane and her customers.
Sansone said that she never expected Cousin’s Cafe to last six months. She said the eatery is known for good food at good prices, and all the pies and cakes are made on premises.
Asked if she wanted to remain in the Bewley Building, Sansone said, “It depends on if I can stay open.”
When told that she would have to move to a temporary location during the building’s renovation, Sansone said she wouldn’t continue.
“That means I would retire,” she said. “I’m 78. I’m plenty old enough.”
Lombardi said he spoke to Sansone last week about the potential construction and told her that a street-facing retail space would be available for her.
“At the time of her retirement, she could increase the value of the business,” he said. “I told her she could go up front and the business would double.”
Sansone said she isn’t interested in a brand-new kitchen or dining room, and wanted to avoid the process of moving.
“That would have been great 20 years ago,” she said. “I’m blessed. You can’t take it with you. People think you can, but you can’t.”