Anderson's, Osteria get site plan OKs on Grand Island

By Karen Carr Keefe

Senior Contributing Writer

There’s new action for two iconic Island gathering places as a result of Monday’s town Planning Board meeting.

The board gave the green light to site plans for:

•An Anderson’s Frozen Custard store at the site of the former Adrian’s, 2352 Grand Island Blvd.

•Osteria Catering for a banquet facility at the former Knights of Columbus hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road.

Adrian’s being transformed to Anderson’s

Anderson’s Frozen Custard is converting the former Adrian’s Custard & Beef to be the new owner’s seventh Anderson’s location in Western New York.

Following the sale of Adrian’s Custard & Beef this February, the building is getting an interior and exterior makeover and a drive-thru window on the 1.17-acre site.

New owner Holly Anderson of Anderson’s Frozen Custard was pleased with the Planning Board approval. She has owned and operated Anderson’s since 1983. Her parents opened the business in 1946.

“We are excited about the opportunity to serve the Grand Island community. We were relieved and excited about the Planning Board’s approval for our parking lot / drive-thru renovations .”

“The renovations are going well, and although later than preferred, our opening will be sometime in June. We are grateful for the expertise and energy that everyone from the different crews bring to this renovation,” Anderson said.

“We are hearing the great anticipation from residents, both with excitement and caution to change; however, we value the opportunity to “Give and create smiles.”

Adrian’s owner, ToniMarie Amantia, retired after owning and operating Adrian’s for 19 years.

Council member Tom Digati, liaison to the Planning Board, said approval came with some conditions. These include parking modifications and requirements to place a center stripe in the parking lot, cross-hatching at pedestrian crossing points, and limits on the number of outdoor tables.

Senior Project Engineer Jason Utzig of C&S Engineers outlined the work proposed in the document submitted for site approval.

“Development will consist of the conversion of the existing Adrian's Custard restaurant into an Anderson’s Custard, with renovations to the interior of the building.”

Additionally, site improvements (exterior) will include:

√ Extending the asphalt paved parking lot closer to the street, off of the existing access drive.

√ Modifications to the existing parking lot at the back of the site to accommodate a new drive-thru / delivery lane.

√ New landscaping, site lighting and concrete sidewalks.

The Grand Island Anderson’s site will join others in Amherst, Williamsville, Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Lancaster.

K of C site planned to be Osteria event hall

Osteria Catering plans to renovate the former Knights of Columbus Hall into a banquet facility. Osteria Catering, a premier catering company based in Buffalo, is undertaking the transformation site and building into a modern, multifunctional event space, Occasions by Osteria.

The request for site plan approval said, “This project represents a strategic expansion for the brand, allowing it to offer a dedicated venue for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and community gatherings.

“The goal is to preserve the building's local heritage while reimagining the interior and exterior to reflect Osteria's commitment to high-quality service, elegant design and unforgettable guest experiences.”

According to engineer Victor O’Brien of C&S Engineers, who filed the application on behalf of 1841 Whitehaven Blvd. LLC, the scope of the work includes:

√ Structural renovation: Upgrades to infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems to meet modern standards and support large-scale events.

√ Interior redesign: Creation of flexible, aesthetically pleasing event spaces with capacity for 150 guests.

√ Exterior space: Upgrades to exterior to include a grove area for outdoor gatherings, casual and/or formal.

√ Commercial kitchen buildout: Installation of a fully equipped, state-of-the-art catering kitchen to support Osteria’s culinary operations on-site.

√ Exterior enhancements: Landscaping, signage and facade improvements to elevate curb appeal and align with brand identity.

√ Accessibility and compliance: Ensuring ADA compliance and integrating modern safety and fire protection systems.

Site improvements also include parking for 73 vehicles and associated drainage, site lighting and landscaping. Design plans also incorporate a full build-out of up to 124 parking spaces; a future storage building; and a pavilion/shelter, should future expansion be required.

The application states that “it is only anticipated to construct Phase 1 improvements at this time. Construction will begin as soon as possible with the intention of completing improvements in the summer of 2025 for the initial phase.

“Phase 2 improvements include an additional 51 parking spaces with associated lighting and stormwater controls. A future connection to the adjacent bowling alley is also shown. The Phase 2 work also includes a new pavilion and 2,000-square-foot storage building.”

The banquet facility is expected to be staffed by 20 employees.

The proposal stated, “Occasions by Osteria aims to become a go-to venue for Western New York residents seeking a stylish, convenient and full-service event experience. By repurposing a familiar local landmark, this project will both preserve community character and spark renewed economic activity on Grand Island.”

The site owner, since March 28, 2023, is 1841 Whitehaven Blvd. LLC, and the purchase price was $300,000, per PropertyChecker.com. The seller is listed as Grand Island Catholic Club Inc. The building, constructed in 1967, has a living area of 4,581 square feet and is located on an 8-acre lot.