Shows
Erik Loves BuffaloBuffalovebus - WNY's Grooviest Photo Booth with Michael MitriStep inside the world of the Buffalolovebus, where passion meets creativity in a unique and inspiring way. This episode takes you on a journey with Michael Mitri (Owner) who transformed his love for vintage Volkswagens into a thriving business, creating unforgettable memories for those who step inside. At the studio at the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal, the conversation dives deep into the Michael's personal story, detailing how a simple love for these classic vehicles turned into a mobile photo booth experience that captures joy, nostalgia, and creativity.We talk about the challenges faced during the pandemic and...2025-03-0347 minErik Loves BuffaloParkside Meadow - Transforming an Eyesore into a Community Hub with Nancy AbramoWhat happens when a historic building gets a second chance and becomes a neighborhood staple? Owner Nancy Abramo joins me to share the story behind Parkside Meadow, the neighborhood pub she built from the bones of a once-infamous college bar. Nestled in Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood, this spot isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s a celebration of history, community, and great food.Nancy’s journey from a media career to owning a neighborhood restaurant is inspiring, but it wasn’t without challenges—especially opening just before the pandemic. We talk about what it...2025-02-0336 minErik Loves BuffaloMiller’s Thumb – Reviving Buffalo’s Grain Legacy with Co-Owner Jill ColellaIn this episode I had the privilege of hearing the story behind Miller’s Thumb Bakery in Tonawanda, NY, with co-owner Jill Colella. Jill shares how she and her business partner, Stephen Horton, combined their passions for food and baking to create a bakery unlike any other in Buffalo. From Stephen’s experience as a James Beard-nominated baker to Jill’s background in teaching cooking classes, publishing multiple cook books, and food marketing, their paths merged to bring artisanal bread, freshly milled flour, and community spirit to Western New York.Jill reflects on Stephen’s years of experien...2025-01-2349 minErik Loves BuffaloExplore Buffalo - Leading Over 2,000 Local Tours a Year with Brad HahnIn this episode, I was so excited to sit down with Brad Hahn, Executive Director of Explore Buffalo, at its headquarters inside the historic First Presbyterian on Symphony Circle. Brad shares how Explore Buffalo began over a decade ago in a tiny office that was literally a closet and has since grown into a thriving organization with seven staff members and over 200 dedicated volunteers. Together, they reflect on the organization’s incredible growth and its role in Buffalo’s resurgence as a hub of architectural and cultural pride. From its early days of word-of-mouth promotion to today’s dynamic, ever-e...2025-01-1732 min
Erik Loves BuffaloSanta Loves Blue CheeseThe Holiday Season is is full swing, so who better to have on the podcast than the man with the bag himself, SANTA CLAUS. Despite being the busiest time of the year for him, Santa carved out a few minutes to sit with me and answer the questions that I've always had for him, along with questions from kids from around Western New York. This episode is perfect for families to listen to together. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Happy Holidays!Send Me a Text! 2024-12-1220 minErik Loves BuffaloUplift Nutrition - Mario and Nick CopelandIn this episode, Erik had a convo with brothers and co-owners of Uplift Nutrition, Mario and Nick Copeland, to explore their journey of turning an idea at the kitchen table into a thriving business in the heart of Kenmore. Located at the corner of Euclid and Delaware Ave, Uplift Nutrition specializes in low-calorie, high-protein smoothies, energy tea refreshers, and other healthy treats that fuel the body without compromising on taste.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The Origin Story: How a casual kitchen conversation during the pandemic led to the creation of...2024-12-0416 minErik Loves BuffaloGrateful for Buffalo!In this special Thanksgiving episode, I’m celebrating gratitude—Buffalo style! From heartfelt stories shared by local business owners to fascinating tidbits about Thanksgiving traditions in Western New York, this episode is packed with the spirit of community, creativity, and history that makes Buffalo so unique.You’ll hear clips from my conversations with local entrepreneurs, including:•Del Reid of 26 Shirts, sharing how his Buffalo-themed apparel supports families in need.•Anastasia of Anastasia’s Artisan Bread, reflecting on her journey with the Kenmore Farmers Market.•Bryan Mecozzi of...2024-11-2735 minErik Loves BuffaloKornerstone Cafe - Jamie DineroIn this episode, I sat down with Jamie Deniro, owner of Kornerstone Coffee, at the East Aurora café to learn about her inspiring journey. Jamie shared how she grew up in Kenmore, pursued a career in accounting, and eventually took the leap into the coffee business. Starting with a roastery in the Millshire Building in Kenmore, she began selling coffee at farmers markets before expanding to cafés in East Aurora (2016) and Larkinville (2018). With a passion for high-quality coffee and meaningful customer interactions, Jamie’s commitment to sourcing beans responsibly and providing exceptional service has become the foundation of her...2024-11-2226 min
Erik Loves BuffaloMarket Mix Tape #1: FOOD Anastasia's Bread, Bloom & Rose, Dimples PancakesIn this first episode of the Market Mix Tapes series, we’re diving into the food scene at Buffalo’s local markets! Market Mix Tapes brings together shorter, themed interviews with local vendors, showcasing the incredible range of talents, flavors, and stories that make our markets special. This episode is all about food, featuring three amazing vendors at the Kenmore Farmers Market: Anastasia's Artisan Bread, Bloom & Rose, and Dimples Pancakes. Tune in for a taste of what makes each of these local gems a must-try!Guests and TimestampsAnastasia’s Artisan Bread – S...2024-11-1324 minErik Loves Buffalo26 Shirts: Del ReidErik Arneth sits down with Del Reid, the man behind the term “Bills Mafia”, the 2023 Bills Fan of the Year, and the founder of 26 Shirts. Del’s journey from a social media influencer in the Buffalo Bills community to a leading figure in local philanthropy is both inspiring and impactful. Erik visited Del at the 26 Shirts headquarters on Kenmore Avenue, which serves as their corporate office, warehouse, and storefront, to discuss how the brand has evolved and where it’s headed.Key Discussion Points:•The Origin Story: Del shares how he coined...2024-11-0137 minErik Loves BuffaloThe Good Stuff: Mickey HarmonMeet Mickey Harmon, co-founder of The Good Stuff, a gallery and gift shop in the heart of Allentown that has become a true hub for Buffalo’s creative community. Mickey takes us through the story of how he and a group of local artists came together seven years ago to create this unique space, giving local talent a place to shine and providing the community with a fresh, rotating gallery of locally-made art, prints, and gifts.Mickey doesn’t just curate art—he’s deeply involved in the Allentown neighborhood, organizing events like the First Friday Gallery Walk, st...2024-10-2532 minErik Loves BuffaloBlack Iron Bystro: Bryan MecozziErik sits down with Bryan Mecozzi, the talented owner and chef behind Black Iron Bystro, now located in the heart of the Village of Kenmore. Bryan invites Erik into his restaurant for a tour, where they dive into Bryan's story, starting with his original location in Blasdell, where he operated for nearly a decade, before making the move to Kenmore.Bryan shares the inspiration and intentionality behind his pre-fixe dining experience, how he incorporates seasonal ingredients, and the thought that goes into accommodating all dietary restrictions through a pre-dining questionnaire. He also talks about the bar menu...2024-10-1123 minErik Loves BuffaloBuff-a-logo: Erik WestfieldMeet Erik Westfield, the public face of Buff-a-logo, a rising local brand that’s becoming a household name in Western New York. Erik and Robbie Grabowski started Buff-a-logo with a few product designs, a t-shirt press in a basement, and big dreams. Now, they operate out of their headquarters—a large warehouse on Main Street in North Tonawanda—offering a wide range of services, from logo design and screen printing to embroidery, web design, and online fulfillment.Erik shares the story of their growth and how Buff-a-logo's unique products, like their locally viral broken table ornament and 'Local...2024-10-0319 minErik Loves BuffaloThe Building of Buffalo City Hall and Its Hidden StoriesErik explores the rich history and quirky stories behind one of the city's most iconic landmarks—Buffalo City Hall. Completed in 1931, this Art Deco masterpiece stands tall as a symbol of Buffalo’s industrial past and civic pride. From its intricate architectural details to its panoramic views, Buffalo City Hall is more than just a government building—it’s a piece of living history.Here’s what we cover in this episode:The Construction: Learn about how Buffalo City Hall came to be during the economic crash of the late 1920s and how...2024-09-2715 minErik Loves BuffaloErik's Top 5 Fall Activities in WNYErik shares his top 5 must-do fall activities in Western New York. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage, go apple picking, sip on some seasonal beers, or visit local pumpkin patches and festivals, this episode covers it all. Tune in to get Erik’s recommendations on where to experience the best that fall has to offer in WNY! Episode Highlights:Apple Picking:Becker Farms (Gasport, NY): A full fall experience with apple picking, cider, wine, and farm-to-table meals. Don’t miss their famous apple cider donuts!Smith’...2024-09-2615 minErik Loves BuffaloBuffalo’s Beginnings - Part 3 of 3: Buffalo’s ResurgenceIn the final episode of the Buffalo’s Beginnings series, Erik takes us through Buffalo’s inspiring comeback story. After decades of economic decline and population loss, Buffalo has reinvented itself, transforming into a vibrant, growing city. From waterfront redevelopment to the rise of new industries, this episode highlights the key changes that have breathed new life into Buffalo.Buffalo’s resilience has paid off, with renewed investment in the community, booming real estate, and a thriving arts and culture scene. This episode celebrates the city’s transformation and its bright future.In this episode...2024-09-2009 minErik Loves BuffaloBuffalo’s Beginnings - Part 2 of 3: From Boom to BustErik explores one of the more difficult periods in Buffalo’s history—the mid-20th century, when the city faced significant challenges. After a period of booming industrial success, Buffalo began to struggle with the decline of the steel industry, a shrinking population, and economic hardship.Buffalo was hit hard by global competition and technological changes, and many factories closed, leaving thousands without jobs. The shipping industry also faced a downturn, and suburbanization led to a hollowing out of the downtown core. But through it all, the spirit of Buffalo remained strong.In this epis...2024-09-1706 minErik Loves BuffaloBuffalo’s Beginnings - Part 1 of 3: Origins and Initial GrowthIn this episode of Erik Loves Buffalo, Erik Arneth takes us on a journey back to Buffalo’s early days, exploring how the city started as a small settlement and quickly grew into a major industrial hub.Buffalo’s growth was fueled by its strategic location and access to the Great Lakes, the Niagara River, and the Erie Canal, which made it a vital transportation and trade center. From its early days as a quiet outpost to becoming an industrial powerhouse by the late 19th century, Buffalo’s rise was rapid and impressive.In t...2024-09-1308 min
Real Estate PeopleSelling Your Home with a Realtor | The Real Estate People Podcast | Nicholas Giambra | Erik ArnethUnlock the secrets to a successful home sale with a trusted realtor in this episode! 🏡 Looking to sell your home? Join us as we dive into the world of real estate, offering expert advice on how a realtor can make the process easy and enjoyable. Discover valuable insights, tips, and tricks for navigating the property market. Whether you're a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, this video is packed with essential information to help you maximize your home's value and make the most of your investment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from industry experts! A...2023-11-0933 min
Real Estate PeopleReal Estate People Podcast - Origin StoryMeet your Real Estate People, Nick Giambra and Erik Arneth with The Giambra Team at Keller Williams Realty. We've closed over 1,000 deals collectively, but it hasn't always been like that! Tune in to hear how we got started in this massive business of real estate. A note from Nick and Erik: Thanks for listening! Although we are a part of "The Giambra Team" with Keller Williams in Western New York, we have a passion for promoting others and providing resources for any consumer or professional in the industry. We are R...2023-06-0529 min