Fun is the focus for new Cask + Cow owner

With popular menu, seasoned staff already in place, Anello looks to expand audience

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

For almost nine years, Cask + Cow has been serving some of Western New York’s best burgers – and some unique sandwich combinations found only in Lewiston. The seasoned staff has learned the ropes and catered to those looking for a meal, bar crowds and small gatherings in the banquet room.

That puts Brandi Anello in a favorable position as she begins her term as owner.

“Right now, we're in the process of finalizing the liquor license and transition, but we're looking forward to officially stepping in, building on what people already love about Cask + Cow, and bringing fresh energy, great food, drinks, and community events to the village.”

Anello officially took over last weekend, replacing Jack Hornung, who built the business and left it in prime turnkey position. With the menu and “amazing” staff in place, Anello has her sights set on expanding the restaurant’s customer base. The key to that, she said, is simple: more fun, more people.

“I want to bring a different energy. I want to bring a different vibe to Lewiston – something that I feel maybe Lewiston is missing. Live music, DJs, boozy brunches, big brunches,” Anello said. “I want to be able to bring something here that I like to enjoy, that I think that other people will also enjoy, as well. We're a casual dining place. I think that, come football season, kind of sports bar – really pump out the Bills Mafia. That's me. Every Sunday, I enjoy watching the Bills. Why not bring that here to my establishment?

“I want something for everybody to do, not just focusing on just certain individuals. I want something for everybody to do here. Like I said, whether it's live music, DJs, karaoke, DJ trivia – I just want it to be a fun place – I want it to be a fun place for my employees and for the customers.”

“You could walk into any restaurant and sit down, have a drink, and order food. I want to be able to offer more to people, too. I want it to kind of be a little more alive,” she added.

Anello will offer happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

“I am going to change the menu a little bit,” she noted. “I'm not going to touch the burgers. Out of maybe 10-11 burgers, I think I'm going to just downsize it to seven of our top-selling ones. I'm going to add a couple more tavern-like appetizers on the menu, as well. I'm looking into having different specials of the day. ‘Taco Tuesday,’ ‘Wing Wednesday.’ There are specials that I want to do during the week, as well, on top of that. But going to try to simplify the menu a little bit.”

Anello said, “I want it to be fun for my employees and for the customers. I want my employees to want to come to work. I don't want it to be like, ‘Ugh, I have to go to work today.’ I want it to be a place that they want to come, and they can involve themselves also with the customers. I think, when you see customers having a good time, you have a good time. That's what makes me smile, is seeing other people enjoying where they are and what they're doing, too.”

Following a grand-opening on June 25, Cask + Cow will be open 3-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; noon until midnight Friday and Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday at 840 Center St.

Anello, a Niagara Falls native, worked at Cask + Cow for five years before leaving to work at the popular Dockside Bar & Grill in North Tonawanda.

“I came back here, and I was bartending one day a week,” she said. “This opportunity came along maybe about six months ago, and I thought, ‘You know what? I've been in this industry for 30 years, bartending, why not take the chance and do it?’ So, here I am!”

She plans to continue behind the bar while also working behind the scenes.

“You'll see me behind the bar probably three days a week. You'll see me on the floor. There might be one day that I say, ‘Hey guys, listen, I'm not coming in today! (laughs).' But, for the most part, you will see me here.

“Over the weekend, that was a nice thing, because I bartend here on Saturday nights. I bartended Sunday morning. We had people come in on Friday, and when people came through the door, I was just walking around, tapping tables, making sure everything was OK. Customers were, ‘Oh, are you the new owner? I saw your picture on social media.’ And I loved it, because you're able to put a face with the place now, and that's what I want to do. Not only do I want to have a relationship with my staff, but the customers as well, and I think that's very important for them to see a hands-on owner here.”

Not only that, but “What I was told, which I think is important, is that I'm the first solely woman-owned restaurant here in Lewiston,” Anello said.