Espo’s brings casual cuisine to former Donut Craze site in Tonawanda

A pandemic-born catering business has expanded into a sit-down café in Tonawanda. Espo’s held a soft opening in December, followed by a full opening Jan. 19 at 365 Somerville Ave., formerly home to Donut Craze. The venture’s roots go back to spring 2020, when Caitlin Esposito was laid off and started selling pierogi to friends and family, then started doing meal prep. Once things took off, she was joined by her husband, Brent, who has a culinary degree and restaurant experience with Rowhouse and Wegmans. The menu includes sandwiches like portobello caprese, bacon jam burgers and turkey wraps, as well as salads (with chicken or salmon as add-ins) and soups. When the church they had been leasing was sold, they signed a lease in August for the space on Somerville, where they have flexible seating for 55 plus room for community events and private parties. “It fit perfect,” she said. “The kitchen is wonderful and we have space here. … We have plans for pop-ups and classes and want to involve the community as well so it won’t be just a dine-in space.” While this is her first restaurant, Caitlin – who has a business marketing degree – also […]

You may also like...