River Region welcomes new Tin Pan Alley owner

By Joshua Maloni

Managing Editor

For more than 20 years, Tin Pan Alley has been a culinary institution in Lewiston. On Saturday, the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed a new owner, William Castiglione, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Castiglione served as restaurant chef before purchasing the business from longtime owners Ken Bryan and Eric Matthews earlier this year.

Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Pauly said, “We're excited for Bill as the new owner of Tin Pan. Tin Pan has had a long history here, and we're really excited for a breath of fresh air. Bill is so excited to implement some new things.”

“A lot of the staples that have been on the menu for 25 years will stay on the menu, it's just going to probably be tweaked a little bit with some new items – some new fresh items – but the majority of the menu will stay the same,” Castiglione said.

To the eatery’s menu of classic American cuisine, Castiglione plans to add “a whole healthy option. Probably like California rice bowls and a couple vegetarian options. A couple of gluten-free options. There's a few things that I have in the works. I’m possibly going to offer a gluten-free pizza. No one in town does that yet.

“I have a few different things in the works right now that I would like to put on my new menu.”

Of course, burgers and fish will continue to be a mainstay.

Guests on hand to welcome Castiglione included Village of Lewiston Mayor Anne Welch and Trustee Claudia Marasco, Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick and Councilman Bill Geiben, former assemblywoman and current USA Niagara Development Corp. Board Chairwoman Francine DelMonte, Realtors Fred Blue and Gerauld Gismondi, attorney Joseph Leone, Matt Villnave of Lewiston Digital, and Aaron Dey of Discover Niagara Shuttle.

The party took place on a renovated patio, and included a buffet and live music.

“I did some work to the patio. I plan on this fall and next spring to actually kind of redo the patio and the outside bar, so next summer I can utilize the outside a lot more,” Castiglione said.

In April, The Sentinel reported Bryan and Matthews were selling Tin Pan in order to focus on the Brickyard Pub & B.B.Q. and Brickyard Brewing Company.

Since that time, Castiglione said, “It's been really good. … It's pretty much what I expected. And so far, so good. I look forward to it. So far, everything's falling in place. I enjoy it. I've gotten good support from the community. …

“It's all been positive so far. I’ve seen a little increase in business.”

Chamber of Commerce Board Chairwoman Christine O’Hara said, “I’ve been coming to Tin Pan for lots of years and will continue to.

“We at the chamber, all of our board members, our membership, just want to wish you the best of luck. And at any time, if there's anything that you need, please reach out to us and we’ll help you.”

Tin Pan Alley is located in the mini-plaza at 775 Cayuga St.