Grezi offers a changing, seasonal menu with New American fare. Though the space that was Loughran’s has been completely remodeled, the prevailing ambiance will still stay true to the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Owners and native Buffalonians Greg Wakeham and Joe Freer are entrepreneurs who have spent their careers in the hospitality industry. Their first venture was growing the Taco Mac chain of sports bar/restaurants in Atlanta. More recently the partners developed two entities in the Florida Panhandle. Pescado is a fine dining rooftop location with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, The Courtyard at Pescado offers light fare along with an entertaining piano bar.

Greg left Buffalo in 1979 to pursue an opportunity in Atlanta. Joe joined him in 1989 and together they helped grow the Taco Mac chain to 32 locations throughout the southeast over the course of 33 years. They went on to open 4 concepts on the Panhandle in Rosemary Beach, FL, including an additional sports bar, sushi restaurant, Pescado and The Courtyard. After selling the Atlanta locations in 2012 and subsequently, the Florida sports bar and sushi locations, they decided it was time to return to their roots.

With numerous successful entities on the resume, they’re happy to bring some of that expertise and acumen back home. Melding the concepts together, Grezi will provide a new option to Buffalo’s dining establishment. The remodeled bar will offer a bright inviting space with several TVs for watching the Bills, the Sabres or whatever game you wish to catch. On weekends, customers can enjoy songs at the piano in the bar or entertainment from local musicians. Walk up three stairs to the refreshed, warm dining room and enjoy your favorites from the eclectic menu.

At the helm in the kitchen will be Chef Brendan Wakeham and Chef Jonathan Freer. After training at Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Brendan has worked in culinary and management roles at fine dining restaurants in Boston and Florida. Another native Buffalo son, Chef Jonathan ran the Florida sports bar kitchen prior to making the move to fine dining. Before launching Grezi, with Brendan serving as Executive Chef and Jonathan as Executive Sous Chef they have worked in tandem for the last five years at the top-rated Pescado. 

Craft cocktails will be at the forefront of the Grezi bar experience. They will offer hard seltzers, local craft beer on tap, along with a carefully curated wine selection. 

A varied and interesting appetizer menu will include a Brussel Sprout Bruschetta, Tuna Crudo, and a Foie Gras Meatball along with salads and of course Chicken Wings with a twist. A few entree highlights will include Sea Bass with Lemon Curd, Pork Milanese, Half Roasted Duck and the Grezi Smash Burger. 

Owners and staff are very excited to greet the public and neighborhood with this vibrant new dining experience.