By Darlene Brace
If you traveled back in time to the early 50’s and 60s, you would see that downtown Jamestown was a thriving shopping center area. There were stores like Bigelow’s, which was a multi-level department store. You could find just about anything, from clothing to housewares to toys and more. It was the only place in the Jamestown area that had an escalator, that amused children while their parents were shopping.
Across the street was Carnahan’s Men’s Clothing Store, which was smaller but still was a multi-level store. In that same block there was Woolworths and Grants Department Stores. They were smaller two-level stores, that included a diner, where you could have a meal while out shopping. These were just a few of the stores in the blocks on Third Street between Washington Street and Main Street. As you continued down Third Street, there were many other businesses, including two movie theaters. This same area was the main bus hub for the local buses. The buses ran on the half hour and had routes to the four main sides of Jamestown. It was a thriving busy shopping area where you could find everything that you needed.
As time went on, things gradually changed. In 1971, the Chautauqua Mall opened, and malls were a new thing back then. Around that time, there also was Zayres and Jamesway and other stores that opened in Lakewood. Gradually residents and visitors went to Lakewood instead of downtown to shop. Many downtown stores went out of business or moved. By the late 90’s, the downtown area did not have much to offer its residents, and this once thriving business district was considered by many as deserted.
Over time, things changed once again. The Chautauqua Mall has lost its luster and most of its businesses. It’s no longer the central shopping area. In recent years, there has been a movement to revitalize the downtown Jamestown area. One thing that has encouraged and supported this revitalization is The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. They often have grants for business owners supporting this revitalization. Frank Besse, the Executive Director of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation stated, “Over the last several years, we have seen an increase in the variety of downtown businesses that have emerged. We have seen an increase in downtown activity from residents, visitors, and potential business owners. We are excited to see this and are eager to support their interest however we can.”
Yes, the revitalization of downtown Jamestown has been going on for many years. Many of the buildings have had a “facelift”. There are many businesses in downtown that are open and thriving, yet some residents don’t know anything about them. They mistakenly think that downtown Jamestown is still deserted as it was 25 years ago. Read on to see a sampling of the thriving downtown small businesses that you might not know about.
Crown Street Roasting Company is a specialty coffee roastery, located at 16 West Third Street, approximately where Woolworths Department Store once was. It’s been there for about six years. At Crown Street Roasting, you can order takeout, or you can come in and stay awhile in their cozy sitting area. They roast their own coffee beans on site, and have specialty coffees, a full espressos bar, and other beverages. They have a small food menu that includes breakfast and lunch sandwiches and other items. They are open from 7am to 2pm on weekdays and from 8am to 2pm on weekends.
Just down the street toward Washington Street, there is Dot’s Gift Boutique, at 111 West Third Street, where Grants Department Store once was. Dot’s is a family run business that opened in 2019. When you walk into Dot’s, you will be amazed at the large variety of quality items they have in this cute boutique. They have jewelry, candles, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, candy, stuffed animals and other children’s items, and all kinds of gift ideas. They even have a Christmas corner year-round. They are currently open 11am to 5pm Monday through Friday, 11am to 3pm on Saturday. They are closed on Sundays.
Just a few yards away is CHQ Plus which opened in October of 2022. CHQ Plus is unique shop. It is operated by the Resource Center, and it uses the store to teach work skills to individuals with disabilities. The disabled workers help run the store and interact with customers, which helps prepare them for a job on their own. In the shop, they have a variety of handcrafted items and gifts, many of which are made by area residents. Included are things such as jewelry, Buffalo Bills items, personalized shirts, handbags, candles, knickknacks, and more. Also, local vendors and artisans can rent a space to display and sell their products.
Reishore Clothing is located at 20 Cherry Street and is a one-of-a-kind clothing store. They actually make some of their clothing out of recycled plastic water bottles. There is a process that turns the water bottles into a polyester type of material, and it’s used in making T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats etc. The owner has been selling his products wholesale online for years, but just recently opened the store in downtown Jamestown in October of 2023. They are open 9:30am-4pm daily but they are closed on Sundays.
A few blocks east is The Biodome Project, which is located at 207 Pine Street. They opened in 2014 and was originally a plant and garden shop. Since then, the owner has expanded his store. He still has plant and garden items but now also has fruits, vegetables, and locally homemade peanut butter, jams, honey, and pasta. There is clothing, oils, spices, and beef from Bear Ridge Farms. The owner has dedicated his business inventory to mostly locally run small businesses. He also rents shelf spaces to area merchants.
If you’re looking for something delicious to eat in the downtown area, you should try the award-winning HotSpot Café. It’s located on the corner of Third and Pine Street, and it opened in 2020. The HotSpot Café has a warm and inviting atmosphere and includes a cute café with plenty of seating. They have a very large menu with a wide variety of items, such as soups, salads, handcrafted sandwiches, paninis, chicken fingers, pot roast and much more. It also includes a glass case filled with yummy homemade baked goods and treats. HotSpot Café has a large catering business for parties and weddings, including a chicken BBQ, and they even have a travel bar. They are open weekdays from 7am to 4pm. If you want to call for take-out or for catering information, call 716-720-5038.
Located at 108 East Third Street, is Art, Cloth, and Craft, which is owned and operated by two local sisters. Their shop specializes in a variety of boutique clothing, handcrafted goods, and local art. They have a nice selection of giftable items such as jewelry, books, home décor, candles, purses, and other accessories. It has a nice, relaxed atmosphere and such a wide array of items, that you will probably lose track of time while you browse through this classy boutique.
These are just examples of the newer businesses in downtown Jamestown. This is proof that downtown Jamestown is in the process of being revitalized, and hopefully will continue to do so. Maybe you haven’t been to downtown Jamestown in a while and have been unaware of the wonderful small businesses that are thriving there. Sometime you should go downtown, park your car, and check out these businesses to see what downtown Jamestown now has to offer.