Landlord Filed Eviction Against Buffalo Restaurant
The Draft Room remains open under a court order while the operator disputes the validity of its expired sublease.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Top Shelf Management filed an eviction lawsuit against Select Pour Ventures on Aug. 20, 2026, claiming the operator failed to renew its five-year lease. A judge issued a temporary restraining order on Sept. 30, 2026, allowing the operator to keep the business open during the dispute.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the high operational stakes of renewal notice provisions in commercial subleases, particularly for businesses that have invested significantly in their physical footprint. Disputes over automatic versus written renewal requirements can threaten ongoing operations and capital investments.
The landlord is seeking at least $73,200 in exit fees from the tenant, which previously invested $112,000 into building a cigar bar. The restaurant currently supports 125 employees while the court evaluates the 180-day written notice requirement for the lease.
The players
Select Pour Ventures
The operator of The Draft Room, a restaurant that employs 125 people in Buffalo.
Top Shelf Management
The landlord and sub-lessor involved in the dispute over the commercial lease expiration.
The details
The dispute centers on conflicting interpretations of a 2021 sublease agreement for a venue in Buffalo's Cobblestone District. Top Shelf Management contends the operator failed to provide written notice 180 days before expiration, whereas Select Pour Ventures argues the contract structure implies an automatic extension. The business, known as The Draft Room, currently continues operations under a temporary restraining order while the legal process determines if the sublease remains active.
Timeline
2021: The companies agreed to a five-year sublease.
Aug. 20, 2026: Top Shelf Management filed an eviction lawsuit.
Sept. 29, 2026: Select Pour Ventures filed court arguments.
Sept. 30, 2026: Judge issued a temporary restraining order.
Market Landscape
This case follows a common pattern where disputes over strict notice requirements threaten the viability of businesses that have committed substantial capital to leasehold improvements. It highlights how rigid adherence to contractual deadlines can override the economic reality of a tenant's capital investment.
Operators should conduct an immediate audit of all lease renewal deadlines and requirements to ensure compliance with notice periods. Reviewing whether your lease mandates written notice or allows for automatic renewal is a critical step for protecting capital investments in renovations.
The takeaway
Commercial subleases often contain specific notice windows that can trigger forced evictions if overlooked. Operators should calendar all lease-related notice dates at least six months in advance and consult with counsel to confirm the legal interpretation of renewal clauses.
Further reading
For more on local commercial real estate trends, visit the Buffalo Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
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