Crystal Beach Gateway under new ownership, aims to reopen July 19

There is good news around the corner for fans of the Crystal Beach Gateway.

Vamsi Kongara, new owner of the Gateway (1025 Gorham Rd.), said they are aiming to reopen its doors on July 19. This would be the first restaurant venture for Kongara and his family, who currently owns a textile manufacturing business in Oakville.

As far back as 2022, Kongara and his family were looking for “other business opportunities” in Niagara.

“We liked the location (of the Gateway) and its short distance to beach,” he said. “Our five-year-old loves water and beaches. My wife and I thought we can take him to the beach every time we come.”

That restaurant will serve breakfast daily, plus lunch and dinner options including omelettes, sandwiches, burgers, wings, and fried fish.

It will initially be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. but Kongara noted those hours could change in the future.

He spoke fondly of Fort Erie, saying the area has “small town vibes” like his hometown in India.

“Its got water and beaches and is very close to world famous Niagara Falls. I couldn’t find any better place to open a restaurant outside of the GTA and within a one-hour drive from our home in Oakville.”

Kongara added that they are hoping to move their textiles manufacturing business to Greater Fort Erie in the next two to three years.

“Then we can live in Fort Erie,” he said.

Emphasizing that customers should expect great food and service at the Gateway, Kongara said that his family hopes “to provide good food option for all locals and visitors” and that Fort Erie is an ideal location for a restaurant due to its “current growth and new visitors.”

The Gateway is currently seeking employees, both full-time and part-time and resumes can be submitted through the restaurant’s Facebook page.

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