Three new businesses on Erie Road celebrated with grand opening ceremonies

The owners of a new Crystal Beach eatery plan to “pay homage” to the business that previously operated out of the same location for decades, and to build on it being a popular hotspot with a revamped look and feel.

Jason and Tara Marton opened Legacy Bar and Grill in July, formerly the home of Sneaker’s Bar and Grill.

They were one of three businesses to celebrate official grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies on Friday.

They have brightened the atmosphere with white walls and ceilings and a number of other touches at the restaurant they say will have a sports bar and roadhouse vibe.

“We’re continuing to do more and more friendly renovations,” said Tara.

Jason also said a major change may come in moving the bar area from the back of the business to the area closer to the front entrance on Erie Road.

He said the reopened restaurant will be “versatile” and be a place for regulars to enjoy a cold one or two, but also a family-friendly atmosphere.

Jason said Sneaker’s had strong “brand equity” and like other well-known Crystal Beach watering holes, such as The Paddy Wagon and the Palmwood, became part of local history after closing their doors in recent years.

He hopes they can build on that by retaining long-standing clientele, but also attract new customers.

“We still have some ideas on what we want to do down the road,” he said, noting they are “still in transition” to some degree.

Local politicians and representatives from the Town of Fort Erie welcomed Legacy to the community with a formal event Friday afternoon, as well as Amalfi’s Trattoria and Bar, an Italian restaurant that previously served the community as San Vito’s.

Many decades ago it was home to The Pines restaurant.

Evermore Charcuterie was also visited by local dignitaries, a business that opened about a month ago and is located at 4086 Erie Road within the Crystal Beach Mercantile, a collective of businesses in a building owned by the Martons.

Bringing greetings at all three businesses on Friday were Mayor Wayne Redekop, Regional Councillor Tom Insinna, MPP Wayne Gates, and a representative from MP Tony Baldinelli’s office.

Councillors Joan Christensen, Tom Lewis, and George McDermott were also in attendance, as well as Gary Pollard from the local chamber of commerce.

Redekop pointed to there being four levels of government when delivering remarks at the first grand opening of the day, at Amalfi’s, located at 3990 Erie Road.

He said politicians from various levels with different stripes coming together means something.

“We all get along when it comes to supporting local businesses in our community,” said Redekop.

He congratulated the team at Amalfi’s, wishing them luck in what he called a “tough business,” the restaurant industry.

“There’s a lot of planning that goes into the decision to open a restaurant,” said Redekop, along with the “daily anticipation” of clientele.

Since 2021, about 160 new businesses have opened in Greater Fort Erie.

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