Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the grand opening of the $11 million Wilkeson Pointe improvements project with “Perro & Poni” restaurant coming soon at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. Working within an approximate seven-acre site, the area between water’s edge at Wilkeson Pointe and the nearby Fuhrmann Boulevard entrance underwent a renovation to expand access to the waterfront site and enhance the visitor experience. A new restaurant, operated by the team behind South Buffalo’s popular Dog & Pony Saloon, is coming soon with a relaxing beer garden, featuring sand seating areas as well as a patio deck and gorgeous views of the water.
“Wilkeson Pointe has been one of Buffalo’s top spots for relaxation and recreation for more than a decade,” Governor Hochul said. “Now, whether you’re meeting up with friends, enjoying an outdoor stroll or taking in the sunset, this new restaurant and expanded waterfront access, make Wilkeson Pointe an unparalleled outdoor destination.”
Governor Hochul also announced while she was in Buffalo that Victory Cruise Lines, Inc., which operates two 200-passenger ships on the Great Lakes, has sent a commitment letter to the state stating it intends to include Buffalo in its 2027 and beyond cruise itineraries. The Governor previously announced the state is moving forward with plans to bring Great Lakes cruises to Buffalo. Victory Cruise Lines’ commitment is pending the completion of the terminal facilities in Buffalo, as well as satisfactory terms concerning Victory Cruise Line’s use of the seawall mooring. At a June 2025 Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation board meeting, the board approved a $1.65 million contract for architectural and engineering design and construction administration for a terminal on the Outer Harbor. Construction work on the new cruise ship terminal is set to begin by early next year and completion by mid-2027.
With the opening of Wilkeson Pointe, Perro & Poni will feature a menu offering bold, Tex-Mex flavors and dishes served fresh at the lakeside counter-service eatery. Perfect for a quick bite for visitors, Perro & Poni also will have a full bar with selections including signature tequila, frozen and beer cocktails, a rotating selection of local craft beers, and refreshing non-alcoholic options. See menu here.
Announced by Governor Hochul in 2022 as one of several significant Buffalo waterfront projects being accelerated for completion, the Wilkeson Pointe renovations began in September 2023. In addition to the new food service building, the improvements made to the 7-acre site include:
- Visitor safety measures, such as relocated parking areas at a distance from the water and from the site’s pedestrian trail
- Restrooms and storage for the operations management team
- A new outdoor seating area
- Relocated and elevated trails near the water’s edge
- Improved landscaping, integrating of natural species and creating meadows, grasslands, and pollinator fields
Recreational activities have returned to the park with volleyball courts, an open lawn area, and a new park golf location, as well as kayak and bicycle rentals and programming throughout the summer. Buffalo Waterfront coordinated a full activities calendar including volleyball games, fitness events, and a live music series in addition to the day-to-day amenities in the park, that will complement Perro & Poni’s arrival. More information can be found at www.buffalowaterfront.com.
Now, whether you’re meeting up with friends, enjoying an outdoor stroll or taking in the sunset, this new restaurant and expanded waterfront access, make Wilkeson Pointe an unparalleled outdoor destination.”
Governor Hochul
Dog & Pony Saloon General Manager Suzanne Shatzel said, “We’re thrilled to build on the success of Dog & Pony Saloon in South Buffalo and open Perro & Poni at Wilkeson Pointe. Perro & Poni will bring fresh, Tex-Mex flavors to the Outer Harbor and offer visitors an exciting new dining experience at one of the best stops along Buffalo’s scenic waterfront.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “With fresh options for dining, recreation, and relaxation, the improved Wilkeson Pointe is an exceptional space to enjoy Buffalo’s Outer Harbor vistas and natural beauty. This project upgrades a longtime favorite spot for Western New York residents and transforms it into a must-visit destination for all, furthering the state’s efforts to revitalize Buffalo’s magnificent waterfront.”
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairperson Joan Kesner said, “As we cut the ribbon on the Wilkeson Pointe improvements, we did the near-impossible: made one of the best places in Western New York, even better. Governor Hochul made this project one of her priorities, and the outcome is another waterfront spot to be proud of. Make sure coming down to the Outer Harbor — for a refreshing drink, to try your hand at park golf, rent a kayak, or for one of the many other activities — is on your Summer 2025 bucket list.”
Funding for this project is from the New York Power Authority, through relicensing agreements tied to the operation of the Niagara Power Project.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Buffalo’s Outer Harbor has always been one of the best places to enjoy the region’s stunning vistas and natural beauty. Through nearly $155 million in Power Authority funding support to ECHDC, including $38 million for the Outer Harbor, Wilkeson Pointe now includes world-class amenities that elevate the visitor experience, offering new opportunities for dining, recreation and relaxation in a scenic waterfront setting.”
Wilkeson Pointe was first established in 2013 in an area just south of Times Beach, on lands that were once used to store the New York Power Authority (NYPA) ice boom, along with a former private welding and ship repair establishment. A $5 million state capital investment placed a soil cap on areas of the site to open the property to public use for the first time in the parcel’s history, with a network of bicycle and pedestrian pathways, a kayak launch and fishing pier, playground, comfort station, event lawn, parking facilities, and regenerative landscaping using native plants and green infrastructure such as bioswales. The property’s edge was also reinforced with heavy stone to repair earlier seiche damage, while wind sculptures were placed on the “pointe” to celebrate the site’s year‐round breezes.
State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “In 12 years, the transformation of Wilkeson Point is noteworthy and impressive. Residents and visitors alike can be proud of the improved access to the waterfront, the innovative ways that former industrial sites are turned into recreational uses, and the expanded entertainment, activities, and dining options. I look forward to bringing my family here and sharing the experience with the community and tourists who discover our beautiful region.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Through the last decade, and with effectual state leadership, we’ve taken great strides in reconnecting Buffalo communities with our waterfront, and the transformation of Wilkeson Pointe stands out as a shining example of what thoughtful, community-focused investment can achieve. These improvements not only expand public access and enhance safety, but they also reimagine the Outer Harbor as a dynamic destination for recreation, relaxation, and small business. With these additions and improvements, visitors now have even more reason to gather, explore, and enjoy all that this remarkable shoreline has to offer.”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Wilkeson Pointe provides opportunities for incredible views and will become a favorite spot for people seeking active as well as passive recreational opportunities. I thank Governor Hochul for advocating for the funding for this project so that Erie County residents and visitors to our region can benefit from improved access at this waterfront destination.”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “Wilkeson Pointe has become one of Buffalo’s most iconic waterfront destinations, and these new upgrades represent a major step forward in our city’s waterfront transformation. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, the investment from the New York Power Authority, and the dedicated efforts of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, we’re giving residents and visitors even more reasons to explore and enjoy the Outer Harbor. With enhanced recreational amenities, natural landscaping, and the exciting addition of Perro & Poni, this project reflects our shared vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible waterfront that celebrates Buffalo’s natural beauty and economic resurgence.”
About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.
As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty. For more information, visit here.
About Buffalo Waterfront
Buffalo’s Waterfront is a growing regional destination and entertainment district encompassing Canalside and Outer Harbor. The Buffalo Waterfront hosts large events and daily activities of all types and strives to provide public access to the land and waterways on the Lake Erie shoreline. Operated by the Buffalo Waterfront Management Group, part of Rich Entertainment Group — a subsidiary of Rich Products, the Buffalo Waterfront is the go-to place for locals and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.