By Carol Fisher-Linn
If you were to take a scorecard and wander down Ellicottville’s main business streets, you would find that many services and retail shops are women-owned… women who built their businesses guided by the experiences of the predecessors. Kudos to all who keep the wheels of commerce humming in our wonderful little village.
When considering modern pioneer women in Ellicottville, artist and entrepreneur Avis King comes to mind. Avis established Earth Arts on the corner of Monroe and Washington (now Blue-Collar Workwear). Hers was the first official gift shop in the village (‘70’s) which was an anchor for all that followed until her retirement several years ago. Her husband, Joe, was involved in the shop, although less visibly. Heidi Rounds (Widger) was another woman (with her husband, Chris) who helped establish Ellicottville as a place to find quality and unique merchandise, drawing curious tourists to our shopping/dining district. Her son John Rounds now runs Adventure Bound onthefly, having learned the trade from his parents.
Dina’s Restaurant at 15 Washington Street (716.699.5330) has been serving satisfied Ellicottville diners for thirty-two years, since 1991. Beginning her venture into the business world as a young woman in her mid-twenties, Dina steadily kept her eye on the ball and the bottom line. Later she married Jim Carls and forged a dynamic partnership and family as they manage Dina’s business ventures which include Dina’s Restaurant, Dina’s at the Mont – HoliMont (716.699.2007), The Banq Cocktails and Lounge (716.699.9143) – yes, it is an old bank … vault included. Dina also shares a partnership with another powerhouse woman in Ellicottville’s business scene, Kim Reading. The Tee Bar (716.699.9079) serves up much more than ice cream in waffle cones. Stop in and find an assortment of Ellicottville memorabilia to always remind you of your visit to our sweet little town.
Kim Reading co-owns Mud, Sweat ‘n Gears Ski and Snowboard Shop (716.699.8300) with her husband Miguel Azcarate. Kim grew up skiing on the slopes of Holiday Valley, eventually working in Sales and Marketing. A seasoned ski racer, Miguel moved to Ellicottville from Spain to teach skiing and coach ski racing at Holiday Valley. Kim and Miguel’s dedication to skiing and quality equipment and clothing led them to establish their store on 18 Monroe Street. This power couple now has a second location in East Aurora on 669 Main Street where they offer the same selection of high-quality ski clothing and equipment and related services.
When considering women in the Ellicottville business community who have left a deep mark on our business and restaurant community, one needs to give recognition to one of those pioneer women upon whose shoulders so many women stand – Joany Pitillo. Joany, with her husband Mike, ran a combination of businesses in the earlier days of Ellicottville’s coming of age in the ski industry. Being a traditional Italian family, the Pitillo kids had their share of business-related responsibilities. Today, Nani, as she is lovingly referred to, continues sharing her culinary skills in the restaurants her son Nick has established. One in Buffalo near Shea’s (Osteria 166) and another in Ellicottville, Villaggio (716.699.2199). What is interesting about the tale of powerful woman in Ellicottville is that it comes full circle at the Villaggio which was originally the old Barn Restaurant, run for many years by Mary Murphy who subsequently married Les Fox, giving herself a partner in the business. Today, Nick Pitillo and his wife, Kendra, run several restaurants and still carve out family and fun time working together as a power team.
Let’s celebrate women’s influence and accomplishments, not only in March, but every day. These women mentioned here and the dozens more who keep the lights on, and the doors open deserve a round of applause, particularly knowing how they and the other owners in Ellicottville kept things going during the worst months of the Covid pandemic. Ellicottville has fierce pride in all our entrepreneurs and owes them a debt of gratitude for their fortitude and determination in the bad times as well as the good. Let’s all raise a toast to the incredible women in our lives. Cheers!