BUFFALO, N.Y. — As more businesses in downtown Buffalo shutter their doors, local restaurant owners are speaking out—urging the community to rally behind them before the slow winter season puts additional strain on their livelihoods.

The owners of Mint Mojito Bar on Niagara Street, Alison Clancy and Chris Mendez, say that after a strong summer rush, business sharply declined this fall. Worried about what the winter months might bring, they took to Instagram to ask for support. Their post quickly gained traction, drawing nearly 3,000 comments from customers, fellow business owners, and community members.

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In the post, they wrote in part: “Business has been down… it’s going to be a struggle to make it through this winter, and

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