Business & Tech

Little Buffalo Serves Up 1,200 Guests On Opening Weekend

The Cranford local is bringing his Buffalo, New York roots to the township with a bold, blue-collar blend of zesty flavorful foods.

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford local Michael Maggio is bringing a bit of Buffalo, New York to the township with the opening of Little Buffalo.

The eatery is inspired by Maggio’s memories and flavors of growing up in upstate New York.

“I wanted to incorporate my past into my restaurant vision,” Maggio said. "I wanted to bring my hometown to our new home.”

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Maggio was born and raised in Lockport, New York, a small town just outside of Buffalo. He lived there until he moved to Cranford with his wife, Donna in 1995.

Little Buffalo was a dream that finally came to fruition last week when he opened his first restaurant at 101 North Avenue West in Cranford.

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“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Maggio said. “When the opportunity presented itself, I thought it was the right time to do it.”

Since opening his doors, the turnout has been great.

“It’s been amazing, simply amazing,” Maggio said. “We served just over 1,200 people during the opening weekend.”

At Little Buffalo, wings are a big staple and so is the “Beef on Weck,” which is roast beef on a Buffalo kimmelweck roll, topped with pretzel salt and caraway seeds.

“We’ve had an amazing response to that sandwich,” Maggio said.

Little Buffalo also serves up hamburgers and hotdogs that are modeled after places in Rochester and Buffalo, New York. And all of the meats are topped with signature sauces.

“What differentiates us is we grill everything. Everything is char-grilled,” Maggio said.

No peanut oil is used in any of the cooking and for the health-conscious they have a wedge salad with grilled chicken option as well.

“If you like getting barbecue all year round and are hankering for some, come down and we will fire up the grill,” Maggio said.

Little Buffalo offers dine-in and delivery or pick-up take out.

For more information visit littlebuff.com or Facebook or call 908-873-7342.

(Images via Little Buffalo with permission)

Photo 1 - “Beef on Weck”

Photo 2 - Wings

Photo 3- Inside Little Buffalo in Cranford

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