Crosby’s Celebrates Grand Opening in Ellicottville with Community, Connection, and Local Pride
Crosby’s Celebrates Grand Opening in Ellicottville with Community, Connection, and Local Pride
Crosby’s new Ellicottville location blends local design, family tradition, and community spirit, marking a new chapter of connection in Western New York.
A crowd of smiling faces filled the parking lot at 6326 Route 242 as local residents, dignitaries, and the Crosby’s team gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Crosby’s store in Ellicottville. The ribbon-cutting marked not just the debut of a new convenience store, but the beginning of a new chapter of connection, investment, and community partnership.
“This isn’t just about opening doors - it’s about opening opportunities, connections, and a new chapter in the community,” said District Leader Felicia Hadsell, addressing the crowd. “Our goal is simple: to make life a little easier - and tastier - for you.”
From its chalet-style rooflines and stone accents to a hand-painted mural depicting the four seasons, the new store’s design mirrors the charm and outdoor spirit of Ellicottville. Inside, nods to local history can be found throughout, including Crosby’s vintage skis, historical maps of Ellicottville, and framed posters from Fall Festivals of years past.
“This store reflects the spirit of Ellicottville,” said Lenny Smith, Vice-President of Crosby’s who led the project’s development. “We wanted a design that fits seamlessly with the village - natural wood, warm lighting, and touches that celebrate the community’s heritage.”
Purchased in 2010, the property received final approval in July 2024, with construction beginning in April 2025. The result is a store years in the making - a design that pays tribute to Ellicottville’s character and charm.
Beyond its aesthetic, the store was built with convenience and comfort in mind. Customers can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating areas, a drive-through pickup window, made-to-order food, and what Smith called “the best pizza and subs around.” Open 24 hours a day, the new location aims to serve both locals and visitors year-round - whether they’re stopping in for coffee before work or grabbing a quick bite after a day on the slopes.
ROOTED IN WESTERN NEW YORK VALUES
Crosby’s is part of the Reid Group, a fourth-generation, family-owned business that has proudly called Western New York home for more than a century. “A hundred years of family, community, and commitment,” noted Dan Neeson, General Manager of Operations. “We’re thrilled to keep building on that legacy right here.”
That legacy is built on people - both those who work in the stores and those they serve. “A store is only as strong as the people behind it,” said Meredith Harris, president of Reid Companies. “To our staff here in Ellicottville - you are the heart of this store - your commitment, your smile, your pride in serving the community. That’s what makes the difference between us and any other store.”
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE
Community impact has long been a cornerstone of Crosby’s mission. The company supports local schools, fire departments, and nonprofits across the region, while also partnering with organizations like the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children’s Hospital, Roswell Park Cancer Center, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. During the grand opening celebration, Crosby’s extended its spirit of giving locally, presenting donations to the Ellicottville Historical Society, Fire Department, and Central School.
Representatives from both 26 Shirts and Oishei Children’s Hospital attended the grand opening, highlighting Crosby’s ongoing fundraising campaigns. Through collaborative efforts, the company’s annual donations to the Patricia Allen Fund have grown from $86,000 to more than $117,000, earning Crosby’s recognition as a Platinum Corporate Champion - one of only a dozen companies to reach that milestone.
“The money raised supports pediatric trauma and intensive care services that help children across all eight counties of Western New York,” said Amanda Dzielski, corporate partnerships manager for Oishei Children’s Hospital. “We’re truly grateful for Crosby’s and the generosity of its customers.”
Local officials, including Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, Ellicottville Mayor John Burrell, and Town Supervisor Matt McAndrew, joined the celebration and praised the investment Crosby’s has made in Ellicottville. Mayor Burrell reflected on the significance of the new store, noting that decades ago the town once had eight gas stations, then dwindled to one. “Now, thank goodness, we’ve got two,” he said. “That’s good for our community and certainly good for Crosby’s. And we’re excited to have you here.”
Assemblyman Sempolinski echoed the sentiment, calling the new location “a fantastic addition that fits perfectly with the aesthetic of the wonderful ski paradise here in Ellicottville.”
For Crosby’s, this grand opening wasn’t just a business milestone - it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and shared values. “We don’t just serve pizza, subs, and coffee,” Smith reminded the crowd. “We serve smiles, laughter, and a place to gather.”
As the ribbon was cut and the doors opened, it was clear that the new Crosby’s is more than a convenience store - it’s a community hub built by and for Western New Yorkers, carrying forward a century-long tradition of local pride and friendly service.
