Syracuse’s 126-year-old Smith Restaurant Supply moving to new home

Syracuse, N.Y. — Smith Restaurant Supply, which has been selling housewares and restaurant supplies since its founding by Polish immigrant Hyman Smith 126 years ago, is moving from its longtime Syracuse home.

Owner John Kuppermann, Smith’s great-grandson, said the business will move to Empire Plaza at 3140 Erie Blvd. E. in DeWitt in late February or early March.

The new location, which was formerly occupied by the Alfred Angelo Bridal store, is 3.5 miles east of the store’s home at 500 Erie Blvd. E., where it has done business since 1946.

In November, Kuppermann sold the store’s longtime home to developer Matthew Paulus for $425,000. Paulus has announced plans to turn the building, which dates to the 1800s, into 37 apartments starting this summer.

Kuppermann has been leasing the building back from Paulus while making plans to relocate his business. He put the property up for sale in 2014, saying technology had greatly reduced the amount of space he needs.

Karen Cannata-LaRocca and Kristen Nave of Sutton Real Estate represented Smith Restaurant Supply in the lease at Empire Plaza.

Smith Restaurant Supply building Syracuse

A view of the Smith Restaurant Supply building at the southeast corner of Erie Boulevard East and Townsend Street in Syracuse circa 1940s. Provided photo

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Have a question or news tip? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148

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