Geneva’s Niche unable to expand next door; will seek other options

The restaurant Niche, at 14 S. Third St., Geneva, had hoped to expand next door at 12 S. Third St., but the vacant retail space was rented to a Realtor instead.

Late last year, city officials had awarded Niche a $40,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant to cover 80% of the cost of an ADA restroom and fire alarm. Niche was going to invest nearly $551,000 into that space, installing a bar, new plumbing, lighting and furnishings.

Niche owner Vince Balistreri was in negotiations with the property owner, but they could not agree on rent.

“We are just on hold trying to get the rent to an appropriate price,” Balistreri said through text message late last year. “We hope to do it. But if it’s too rich, we can’t afford to do it.”

Both buildings at 14 and 12 S. Third St. were built in 1920. The ARPA funds are provided for historic preservation and adaptive reuse.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said all the ARPA money has to be committed by the recipient by the end of this year.

But losing the next door space does not take away the grant, he said.

“The City of Geneva stands in partnership with our friends at Niche as they explore new opportunities,” Burns said. “They can find another place or use the money for improvements within their existing location.”

“That’s awesome,” Balistreri texted, when he learned the grant can still be used.

The ARPA grant agreement would have to be amended to reflect that change, Burns said,

In business for 18 years, Niche has won more than 20 awards and recognitions for its cuisine.

The property owner, Angelo Dangles, said he chose to rent the space to a real estate agent because it was simpler.

“When you rent to a restaurant, there’s a lot of things that go with it ... a whole bunch of stuff I don’t want to do,” Dangles said. “A Realtor office – it’s very simple.”

Dangles said the real estate office will open March 1.