“I am extremely proud of Leonard for following his dream to open a restaurant in his hometown of Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “It is young entrepreneurs like Leonard that are so important to the revitalization of our economy and I am looking forward to seeing his venture grow and be successful.”
Leonard Stokes is a native of Buffalo; he was a star basketball player for the University of Cincinnati where he graduated with a degree in Social Science. He moved back to Buffalo after playing in the NBA to take care of his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer.
“Being home and opening this restaurant has brought so much joy to my mother,” said Stokes. “I am excited to open One Sunset, which is my first restaurant venture. I want to thank my family, friends and Mayor Brown for their support while I pursue my goals.”
Stokes has spent a lot of time developing One Sunset’s menu with the help of consultant Chef Sam Reda, Executive Chef Bruce Bain, and Sousse Chef Jason Denton. The first floor will be dedicated to dining only while the second floor will be open to special parties and reserve functions.
One Sunset received a business loan from the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation, as well as technical assistance through the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program.
