The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Spot Coffee is launching its first-ever gas station café at 155 Jefferson Avenue in East Buffalo, inside the Sunoco station, opening March 12.

This innovative venture comes through a partnership with Jefferson Coffee LLP, owned by the Abuhamra family, signaling an exciting expansion for the locally cherished brand.

Anton Ayoub, president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about making premium coffee more accessible while maintaining the signature quality Spot is known for.

The new café brings the chain’s total locations to 15, with most in Western New York and a few upstate.

Spot Coffee, founded in 1995, remains a community staple, evolving with new locations in Hamburg and North Tonawanda, even after closing its Clarence spot due to accessibility challenges.

The gas station café aims to cater to busy locals who value convenience without compromising on taste.

Ellicottville will host an unforgettable summer music festival from July 3–5, 2026, marking America’s 250th anniversary with a packed schedule of music and family events.

The celebration begins Friday with a lively Battle of the Bands, turning downtown into a bustling music crawl where local groups compete for a main stage spot.

Saturday brings high-energy performances to the Holiday Valley Resort slopes, featuring The Nerds playing favorite '80s anthems before The Fab Four delivers Beatles classics sure to inspire singalongs.

On Sunday, Canadian vocalist Andy Colonico takes the stage ahead of Max Muscato, performing to support Rock Autism. A dazzling fireworks show will cap off the evening in patriotic style.

Festivalgoers can enjoy the whimsical annual Pet Parade and a diverse arts market with work from over 30 local creators.

Tickets are on sale now, with early purchase recommended for this highly anticipated event.

This summer, Western New York promises music, community, and celebration for all.

Western New York is seeing a noticeable uptick in skunk activity as spring arrives, with mating season driving male skunks to roam widely in search of partners.

Gina Lattuca of the SPCA Serving Erie County explains that this period brings skunks into unexpected areas, even during the day.

Residents are urged to remove food sources like pet food and birdseed and keep brush piles clear.

Sensor lights and deterrents such as wind chimes can help discourage skunks from visiting yards.

Avoid sealing off den sites now, as this could trap females and create bigger problems.

Skunks are more defensive and likely to spray, especially during mating disputes, so check your yard before letting pets outside.

For ongoing concerns, the SPCA’s Wildlife Department is available for guidance or assistance with sick or injured skunks, ensuring the community safely navigates this active season.

The Ultimate WNY Dessert Guide

1. Butter Block

• 📍 Buffalo (West Side)

• ⭐ ~4.9 rating with hundreds of reviews

Why people love it:

• Famous for French-style pastries and laminated doughs

• Popular items: croissants, fruit tarts, éclairs, kouign-amann

• Often sells out early because everything is made fresh daily

2. White Rabbit Dessert Experience

• 📍 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga

• ⭐ ~4.5 rating

What to get:

• Crazy loaded waffles, crepes, and milkshakes

• Dessert plates with brownies, ice cream, and toppings

• Huge sharable desserts (great for groups)

3. Golden Waffles

• 📍 Main St near UB South

• ⭐ ~4.8 rating

Best items:

• Belgian waffles loaded with Nutella, fruit, or ice cream

• Bubble waffles and dessert sundaes

• Late-night dessert stop for UB students

4. Blackbird Sweets

• 📍 Hertel Avenue

Specialty:

• Gourmet cupcakes and custom cakes

• Rotating seasonal flavors

• Small boutique bakery vibe

Great if you want creative cupcakes or celebration cakes.

5. Halleez: The Ultimate Sweet Spot

• 📍 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna

Popular for:

• Milkshakes and loaded desserts

• Cheesecake, sundaes, waffle desserts

• Huge portions

Good spot for late-night dessert runs.

6. Prohibition Desserts

• 📍 Buffalo

Unique concept:

• Alcohol-infused desserts (cupcakes, truffles, cakes)

• Great for events or something different

The shop specializes in desserts infused with spirits like rum, whiskey, and liqueurs.

7. Lake Effect Ice Cream

• 📍 Buffalo

• ⭐ Local favorite for small-batch ice cream

Why people love it:

• Unique rotating flavors like lavender honey, sponge candy, and bourbon butter pecan

• Made with locally sourced ingredients

• Frequently ranked among the best ice cream shops in Western New York

8. Platter’s Chocolate Factory

• 📍 North Tonawanda

• ⭐ Iconic WNY chocolate shop

What to get:

• Buffalo’s famous sponge candy

• Chocolate truffles and handmade confections

• Ice cream and dessert treats inside the factory shop

9. Sweet Jenny’s

• 📍 Williamsville

• ⭐ Historic local ice cream shop

Best items:

• Homemade ice cream in dozens of flavors

• Sundaes, floats, and classic dessert treats

• Old-fashioned soda fountain vibe

10. Chrusciki Bakery

• 📍 Lancaster (multiple WNY locations)

• ⭐ Famous Polish bakery

Popular desserts:

• Paczki (Polish filled donuts)

• Cream puffs and traditional pastries

• Butter cookies and holiday desserts

11. Half Baked Cookies

• 📍 Williamsville (also Lockport)

• ⭐ Specialty gourmet cookie shop

Must-try items:

• Giant stuffed cookies

• Rotating specialty flavors

• Cookie cakes and warm fresh-baked desserts

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