By Chad Neal
Balloons has been a staple in Ellicottville for over three decades and has seen it’s share of changes throughout the years. The Kerns family has made the iconic establishment into one of the village’s celebrated destinations. Michael and Melanie Kerns and their family run Balloons Restaurant and Nightclub and it has grown in all directions, especially east. Opening soon in Hornell New York is Balloons East! The Villager caught up with the Kerns wanting to learn more. Here’s what they shared:
Villager (V)- Let’s get a little history on Balloons restaurant and Nightclub, when did your Dad and Mom start Balloons?
Mike Kerns (MK)- My parents, Micheal Kerns and Cheryl Kane began their restaurant journey as owners of the Rusty Nail in Jamestown and seized the opportunity to bring their experiences back to their hometown of Ellicottville in 1987 just a couple of doors down from our current location before opening Balloons as we know it in 1990.
V- After his passing you took over Balloons from your Dad, how was that transition?
MK- Having worked around our family businesses for my entire life, from sorting beer bottles in the basement, washing dishes, helping behind the line, bartending and eventually managing our family-owned establishments in Jamestown and Ellicottville, the transition was a natural one. While the timing and circumstances surrounding my eventual ownership were not anticipated and heartbreaking, I had already begun transitioning into Balloons and had started managing the business months prior. The sudden loss of my father was significant and overwhelming, it occurred within weeks of the birth of my daughter, but it was a tandem event that culminated into new beginnings that I hope brings pride to both of my parents.
V- Its growth has been truly awesome, and now you’re opening in Hornell, how did this come to be? How did you find Hornell?
MK- Hornell found us!! A second location had been on our minds for quite some time. Over the last couple of years, we have had a few different proposals, and this on just felt right… the location, the timing, the people!
Hornell NY this Spring 2023!
Hornell feels like home. While it is a bigger community than Ellicottville, it still offers a hometown feel that immediately brought a sense of comfort and excitement.
V- What kind of place will it be?
MK- Awesome! Cool! Fun!
We will maintain our home base vibe offering an eclectic mix of Balloons favorites, combined with some amazing specialty entrees… Balloons is for EVERYONE, it is our goal to make it a comfortable and inclusive space for all to enjoy. It is important to us to maintain that atmosphere in every location.
V- “Balloons East” is the name?
MK- It was a family decision explored at our dinner table. I couldn’t be happier that my kids take pride in our business and they really pushed to keep the businesses connected in name and practice. Our staff have affectionately dubbed it “The Beast” (play off Balloons East ya’ll).
V- How big is it?
MK- We will have seating for 225 people with a couple of different dining room options in addition to a defined bar area. We will be able to provide some opportunities for private catering events.
V- Will there be anything special about the new joint?
MK- Everything! Inside people will find special items contributing to the development of the space by many of my local friends and artists! Come take a peek for yourself! I think people who know Balloons will find immediate comfort, and people new to our space will hopefully fall in love with the eclectic flair!
Balloons East or “The Beast” will be opening in early May so maybe even by the time you’re reading this. You can check on their Facebook pages Balloons Restaurant and Nightclub or Balloons East.