Panama Lunch Room

Address

378 Jefferson Street Buffalo, NY 14203

Establishment Type(s)

Restaurant

Physical Status

Demolished

Description

A two-story business block situated on the corner of William Street and Jefferson Avenue, facing east onto Jefferson. The multi-part structure was, according to the 1900 Sanborn map, once the "Male Hotel." As redesigned by 1926, 460 and 462 William Street opened onto William Street. 360 William Street was a one-story restaurant while 462 was a two-story store. To the north, the next section was divided into four rooms by frame partitions. One at 387 Jefferson was another restuarant. Beyond this, there was a two-story dwelling.

Detailed History

The Panama Lunch Room operated from 378 Jefferson Avenue from at least 1933 to 1975. In 1955, Alfred Smith owned the business, and Peggy Thomas was a waitress. In June 1975, the counterman Clifton Alexander was held up by three intruders, who stole $60 from the establishment. Currently, there is an empty lot over where 378 Jefferson Avenue was.