Coffee Holiday: Ostolski looks to convert former Kissel Country Tin site into coffee bar

By Benjamin Joe

The former Kissel Country Tin’s space on Schultz Road is slated to be the site of a new coffee bar in Wheatfield called Coffee Holiday.

The gift shop closed its doors in 2024, but North Tonawanda resident Michael Ostolski saw value in the site for a new project, having gone into retirement after many years as a doctor and, prior to that, 27 years in the Air Force.

He said his wife, Dawn, also served in the Army and the Air Force. They have two children.

Recently, the couple discovered Dawn had a diagnosis of cancer, and Ostolski he decided it was time to try something new.

“I’m excited to learn something different,” he said. “That’s what I like to do. Pushing my brain to learn new things.”

Ostolski approached the Wheatfield Planning Board about his proposed coffee bar at the regular business meeting on March 19. Members of the board questioned him on different aspects of his plan, such as parking and colors adorning the shop.

Currently, Diane Kissel, the former owner of Kissel Country Tin, is living on the attached property, and that was noted. There is a garage separating her residence from the new business.

With the Schultz corner expected to see approximately 40,000 vehicles pass by, Ostolski said he thinks he has a winning concept.

“I’m looking to serve espresso, which is a very concentrated coffee, on the property,” he told the board. Ostolski said there are more than 15 espresso drinks that he is ready to begin making for customers.

All in all, Ostolski said he’ll invest almost $100,000 in the buildout of the shop, including an espresso machine and fixtures to give the space a “industrial steampunk” look, as well as electrical and plumbing work that needs to be completed.

Ostolski said he has been working on ideas to convert the property for about six months. He said he hopes he will have his new business up and running in two months.

According to Susan Angelo-Eberwein, chair of the Planning Board, the reason Ostolski was required to appear before her and the board was the shop’s proximity to Niagara Falls Boulevard. The proposed coffee shop sits on the corner of Shultz Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard.

“You’re in the Niagara Falls Boulevard overlay, and we’re very particular about how things look on the boulevard. We want it to look a lot better than it did previously,” Angelo-Eberwein told Ostolski. “For new people coming in, we’re insisting on it.”

Ostolski said there are 22 parking spots available, with an ADA-accessible spot closest to a ramp entering the property.

He said he’d originally considered take-out to be the primary business model, but thought better of it and now plans to have about six tables of four inside the shop. Outdoor seating is also being considered.

He also said some food would be served, but it would be prepared off-site.

“We want to beautify the area, too. We want it to look good,” he said.

Ostolski also noted a back room on site that Kissel used as a classroom for activities like knitting may keep its purpose. He said he is excited to give back to the community any way he can.

“Any revenue over costs I get from this will go to the Adams Fire Co., which I am a member of; Bridge (Assembly of God) church and their foster parent program; and veterans’ groups,” Ostolski said.

Ostolski will appear before the Planning Board with a sketch plan in April.