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The restaurant business can be a grind, as April Wheaton and Jonathan Dudley are quick to attest.
Wheaton is a brewer for Rusty Nickel Brewing. Dudley learned the chef craft on Grand Island.
The co-owners of Dudley Catering were working out of a commissary in Buffalo when they saw an advertisement for kitchen space for rent at Elks Club No. 346 at 7710 Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls. What could be better than a new space minutes from home?
They took the leap because it gave them a chance to do catering during the week and open to the public Friday nights. They opened a few months ago and hosted a happy hour Thursday to celebrate being honored with the Rising Star award by the New York State Restaurant Association.
The award honors an emerging leader in the hospitality industry whose work demonstrates ongoing exceptional growth and high potential for future impact.
Dudley said that while dishes like fish fries and wings remain popular “I’ve been surprised by the reception of more elevated food when we get more creative people love it.”
He cited as examples recent special offerings of prime rib for Valentine’s as well as lobster ravioli.
Wheaton was the brewer behind Neighborhood Ale which was released as a collaboration with the former Daredevil Records and Rusty Nickel.
Their catering menu goes from the expected, like burgers, chops, chicken and pasta to elevated, with bacon-wrapped barbecue pork loin, chicken piccata and mushroom ravioli to luxury. Luxury is kind of special, with filet mignon, prime rib, lobster tails and more all served at market price.
More information is available by calling 716-25-5914, visiting https://dudleycateringco.com/ or emailing dudleycateringco@gmail.com.
