The new venue at Shea’s Seneca is aptly being called ‘The Show.’ The name is a nod to Michael Shea’s movie house, which once occupied the building. The restoration of the Shea’s Seneca building, and the introduction of The Show, is thanks to the vision and fortitude of Jake Schneider, president of Schneider Development Services. It is Schneider himself, who is operating the new venue – taking over where the previous tenant left off. The Show is considered the anchor tenant of the Shea’s Seneca building.
“Normally, when a commercial space of ours becomes vacant, we would seek out a new tenant to take over the space and run the business, while we focus on running the real estate,” Schneider said. “In this case, however, I decided that running this incredible space seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up. So I jumped at it.”
In order for things to run smoothly, Schneider brought Lisa Vitello (former Director of Sales & Catering for The Terrace at Delaware Park) onboard as General Manager. The arrangement will see The Show partnering up with local caterers for creative food service options, while taking care of bookings and the bar in-house. Preferred caterers include Osteria, Fat Bob’s, and Chuckterie.
“This will give our clients the flexibility to choose what works best for their event style and budget,” explains Vitello
The Show will be offering up custom bar packages to clients, that will showcase locally made spirits, beer, and an array of interesting wines, and specialty cocktails.
Along with the aforementioned additions and changes, the venue is also spotlighting a revamped bar, dining room, and restrooms.
“We wanted to create a more cohesive feel throughout the venue,” explains Schneider, who is originally an architect by trade.
Taking inspiration from the space’s many historic details in the foyer and lobby, the team:
Transformed the bar area with a more dramatic atmosphere
The ballroom was restyled with warm touches such as velvet drapes, along with new fixtures and furnishings
Both restrooms were updated and two private lounges for event VIPs were created
“These lounges are a great addition to the venue, a private space for guests of honor at weddings and social events, as well as guest speakers or planners for corporate meetings ,” explained Vitello.
Another new attraction to the space is Gallery Josephine, created in partnership with Resource: Art (learn more).
“Gallery Josephine opened in late April, and we couldn’t be happier with the response,” said Schneider. Artist talks and events will continue at the gallery, starting with an event in June. It is due to the association with Shea that Shea’s Seneca is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Show joins a number of other commercial tenants within the Shea’s Seneca building, including Public Espresso, April Spencer Floral Design, Cantina 62, and Bottle Rocket Beer Reserve. Skyroom Lofts, also located within the complex, consist of 23 high-end apartments.
“Other than the vacancy in the event venue, all the other commercial tenants have remained open for business since the initial redevelopment, even through the pandemic” says Schneider. “And the apartments have done very well, with limited vacancies.”
The Show will soon be joined by a new music club – The Caz – that will be setting up across the street (learn more). The club is anticipated to open in the Summer of 2024.
“I expect there to be great synergy with all the Shea’s Seneca commercial tenants and the music club,” said Schneider. “Knowing that the opening of the music club was on the horizon is one of the main reasons I decided to take over the event venue at Shea’s Seneca this year. I continue to see a lot of upside here on Seneca Street.”
The Show is located at 2188 Seneca Street.
Get connected: theshowbuffalo.com
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