Judge Halted Eviction Of Buffalo Draft Room
A court order now prevents the closure of a local restaurant currently entangled in a lease dispute.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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On September 30, 2026, a judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing The Draft Room to remain open amid an ongoing eviction lawsuit. Top Shelf Management filed the suit on August 20, 2026, after claiming the business failed to provide proper notice to renew its lease.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on whether the five-year sublease, originally signed in 2021, automatically renewed or required specific written notice 180 days prior to expiration. This legal conflict places the future of the venue and its 125 employees in uncertainty as the parties contest the contract terms.
Top Shelf Management is seeking at least $73,200 in exit fees from the tenant. Meanwhile, Select Pour Ventures reportedly completed $112,000 in renovations to add a cigar bar to the facility.
The players
The Draft Room
This establishment is a restaurant located in the Cobblestone District of Buffalo.
Select Pour Ventures
This business entity operates The Draft Room and employs approximately 125 workers.
Top Shelf Management
This organization acts as the landlord for the property currently in dispute.
The details
Select Pour Ventures maintains that the lease agreement automatically extended because it never formally declined the renewal option. In contrast, Top Shelf Management argues that the tenant missed the required 180-day deadline for providing written notice of their intent to remain in the space.
Timeline
The companies entered their initial five-year sublease in 2021.
Top Shelf Management filed the eviction lawsuit on August 20, 2026.
Select Pour Ventures filed its legal arguments on September 29, 2026.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order on September 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
Commercial lease disputes in Buffalo's Cobblestone District often highlight the tension between property owners and operators during contract transitions. This specific conflict mirrors broader industry challenges where ambiguity in renewal clauses can lead to significant litigation over commercial occupancy.
For local patrons, the temporary restraining order means The Draft Room will continue normal operations for the time being. The venue's long-term stability and continued employment of its 125 staff members remain subject to the ongoing court proceedings.
The takeaway
Commercial tenants should prioritize documented lease renewals to avoid potential eviction proceedings. Clearly defining renewal mechanisms at the contract's inception can prevent costly legal disputes and protect infrastructure investments.
Further reading
For more news on local businesses, visit the Buffalo Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
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