A Middle Eastern-inspired fast-casual chain is moving into two former restaurant spaces around Amherst, sites previously occupied by a cheesesteak favorite and a longtime Sicilian restaurant. Sheesh Mediterranean is opening two locations at former Amherst restaurant sites, including the Williamsville spot that used to house Cheesy Chick.
According to The Business Journals, Sheesh is opening at two former restaurant sites: the former Cheesy Chick site in Williamsville and the space where Carmine's previously operated. The report identifies Cheesy Chick as the prior tenant at the Williamsville site and Carmine's as the previous occupant of the other location.
What Sheesh Is Bringing To The Table
Sheesh describes itself as a Middle Eastern-inspired casual eatery serving fresh, healthy and flavorful meals, according to the chain's own website, Sheesh Grill. The Sheesh website also advertises a $13 lunch special and lists daily hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for its restaurants.
Neither the opening dates for the two Amherst locations nor their exact addresses have been confirmed. It also isn't clear whether the two new restaurants will share identical menus, hours or pricing once they open.
A Changing Restaurant Landscape In Williamsville
The Cheesy Chick space becoming available traces back to earlier this year, when the business announced it would close its Williamsville location after a rent increase and slow sales, the Business Journals reported in a separate story. That report also noted the business wasn't shutting down entirely, meaning the Williamsville closure was tied to that single site rather than the whole operation.
Carmine's, the Sicilian restaurant that previously operated at the other Amherst site now headed for a Sheesh location, had been listed at 7170 Transit Road in Williamsville, according to Yelp. The turnover at both addresses reflects a steady churn in the Western New York dining scene, where a Buffalo Business First roundup counted 10 restaurant and bar openings against seven closings across the region in March, with openings slightly outnumbering closures that month.
What Diners Can Expect
Sheesh's website lists a daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule, a $13 lunch special and a $9.90 wrap meal deal.
Questions remain about the ownership structure behind the Amherst expansion, lease terms, permitting and staffing plans, none of which have been detailed publicly. Shoppers and diners in the area will likely get a clearer picture once renovation work begins to show at either site.
