BuffaLouie's

OVERVIEW

•  Hoagy Carmichael wrote his famous song "Star Dust" at the Gables building 

• The restaurant was started by Jay Lieser in 1987

• BaffaLouie's is famous for their buffalo wings 

• It used to be the Book Nook in 1915 over 100 years ago

 HISTORY 

By far one of the most popular restaurants in Bloomington is BuffaLouie’s, and it's also known for the building's long history. It was all started by a high school student in Buffalo, New York named Jay Lieser. He started a job making and selling buffalo wings to his neighbors. Soon he would go to college at IU and open up his first restaurant at 711 W 17th Street in 1987, named BuffaLouie’s. The name was a mix of Buffalo, New York, and his grandfather's first name, Louie Lieser. The new hit restaurant was remodeled a few times, and in 2005 they moved locations to the Gables building. In 2011 Jaimie Schwartzman bought the building along with the business, and got married to Ed Lieser (Jay Lieser's father).

BuffaLouie’s has a lot of history, but the building has way more. The building where the famous BuffaLouie’s stands is one of the oldest buildings in Bloomington dating back to 1914, making it over 100 years old. The building is most famous for housing the Book Nook (1915-1937). The Book Nook was a place where the famous Hoagy Carmichael played piano, and where he made his most famous song “Star Dust”. The Book Nook was also a famous IU student hangout known for its soda fountain and lively music.

The Gables building also played a part in African American civil rights. In 1947 the Gables was segregated until black IU football player George Taliaferro saw a wall-sized photo of the 1945 championship football team, which included Taliaferro, hung in the Gables Restaurant. Taliaferro couldn't eat at the Gables because local restaurants, especially those close to campus, did not serve blacks in restaurants. When he saw this he was frustrated that his photo was in the restaurant but he couldn't eat there. He knew something had to change. He and the IU President, Herman B. Wells, confronted and convinced the restaurant owner, George Poolitsen, that it was time to integrate his business, and he agreed. So now do you believe me? BuffaLouie’s is by far one of the restaurants with the most history in Bloomington.

ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

There are a lot of reasons why BuffaLouie’s is so popular,  Some of the products that BuffaLouie’s offers are their famous boneless wings , a variety of different salads, and  burgers. Something unique and special that BuffaLouie’s offers is their chicken sandwiches. They are very highly rated. One recent burger they added to their menu is the Mendoza Burger named after the Mendoza brothers on the IU football team, who just won the National Championship game. 

When asked about  the mission or values of BuffaLouie’s, owner Ed Schwartzman said, “I feel that it is our deeply planted roots in Bloomington that differentiates us from many other businesses. We love supporting local causes - and we have been fortunate to have built long-term relationships with many people here in town.  Our mission is to treat both our guests and our staff fairly - and to always strive to exceed the expectations of our customers.” 

There are many reasons why BuffaLouie’s is so deeply rooted in Bloomington and IU sports culture. BuffaLouie’s is a very busy place. Students will  meet up, watch the game , and eat good food. Famous IU coaches like Bob Knight and Bill Mallory have been regulars at BuffaLouie’s. Also, many of the football and basketball players go to BuffaLouie’s for their wings. In fact, as the football coaches and players watched film each week of the previous game, they would often do it while eating BuffaLouie’s wings. Also, BuffaLouie’s are such big IU fans that their walls are covered in IU memorabilia. If you go in, be sure to check it out. 

Some of the places BuffaLouie’s often collaborates with are businesses like IU Athletics and a couple different food vendors.