Stagecoach (Deli) rolls into Buffalo
Tammy Sklar puts some finishing touches on the western exterior of the Stagecoach Deli. Van’Go’photo
You never know where a casual conversation will lead you. In the case of two patrons of The Horses Mouth coffee shop, sharing ideas with proprietress Laura St. John led to their introduction, then a little brain-storming and -- BOOM -- a business idea was hatched and a partnership was born. This weekend local folks will begin to enjoy the fruits of that union as Tammy Sklar and Merry Millar open the doors to Buffalo's newest business: Stagecoach Deli, Gifts and Consignments.
The new shop will be right in the middle of town, located on Highway 79 next door to Billy's Custom Auto in a building that was once a tire shop with cinder block walls and orange and blue paint. You would have a hard time recognizing the place, though. The addition of reclaimed barn wood, a wooden sidewalk with rails and a hitching post, and some trompe l'oeil painting have transformed it into a very believable Ol' West street corner and saloon. Rummaging through resale shops, yard and estate sales, the deli's new owners have managed to furnish the inside with fun accents and a few carefully chosen antiques to carry out the kitschy period decor. Squirrel-Toothed Alice, the saloon girl (mannequin), will greet customers and they will 'belly up to the bar' to place their orders at Miss Kitty's Place behind a 10-foot counter that may actually be vintage 1800's.
Sklar and Millar (it kind of rolls of the tongue, doesn't it?) have done most of the work themselves, with the welcomed help of friends and family members. The gals have obviously put in plenty of hours with a hammer, drill or paintbrush in hand. They never claimed to be pros at that end of the undertaking, and Merry readily admits that her previous experience with carpentry was limited to constructing a garden table. What they lack in carpentry skills, though, they have made up for in determination and elbow grease, and they have tackled everything from hanging paneling to building shelves and painting faux finishing. "A real carpenter wouldn't be impressed," Merry insists, but a subtle smile reveals that she is pretty proud of all they have accomplished in the past three months. The job has not been without a share of trials. Just last week Tammy was conked in the head by a hammer that fell when she scooted a ladder, and Merry had an unsecured shelf fall on her. Still, they persevere, and they're going to have a unique and appealing shop to show for their efforts.
The decor includes contributions from friends -- and total strangers. "People stop by and say, 'Oh, you might could use this!" Tammy shared. Alice's outfit, for example, was once a friend's Halloween costume, and a local resident donated a model stagecoach just to say "good luck -- we're glad you're here."
Indeed, there IS plenty of excitement in the community about the arrival of the Stagecoach, tentatively scheduled for this weekend. The menu which will be displayed on an 8' chalk board will feature specialty sandwiches, salads and soups. The sandwiches bear corny Western names (Gunslinger, Straight Shooter), but boast culinary ingredients seldom seen 'in these here parts': think pesto, avocado slices, provolone cheese, pastrami and caramelized pecans. Tasty homemade desserts will be on hand to top off your meal. Don't hurry off, though. A domino table in the corner invites customers to meet a friend for lunch and stretch it into a pleasant afternoon visit.
With approximately 2000 sq. ft. of floor space to work with, Millar and Sklar decided to expand their original vision for Stagecoach to include a consignment store with booths for rent. Ten local artists and entrepreneurs have already signed on to display crafts, antiques and jewelry. The addition of Annie Oakley's Tea Room, a private dining room for small group get-togethers, showers, luncheons, etc., is coming soon.
Merry Millar ably wields an electric drill as she hangs shelves in the kitchen, getting ready for the opening of Buffalo’s newest eating establishment. Van’Go’photo
Merry and Tammy are both "M.I.s" (Move-Ins, the local term for folks fairly new to our area.) Merry and her children Jordon and Steven came from northern California in 2004. She was going to school full-time and planning to go into nursing when the Stagecoach Deli came along. Tammy and her husband Ricky moved to the Flo area a year ago from Conroe and she has been building her business here as a Mary Kay consultant. The friendship the two women have developed is a serendipity of their new endeavor. "She's certainly the easiest person to work with," Merry boasts of her new friend and partner. "We've already had so much fun doing this!"
Join the fun and drop by soon for lunch at the Stagecoach Deli. Hours of operation will be from 10:00 to 5:00, initially, Tuesday through Saturday.
