Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today issued the following statement on the passing of Blondine Harvin, the longtime owner of Gigi’s restaurant, a Buffalo staple for soul food and home-cooked meals  for over fifty years that was a favorite of local diners and big-name celebrities and politicians alike. Ms. Harvin passed away at age 80 on Wednesday, January 16. 

“I extend my deepest condolences to the Harvin family on the passing of Ms. Harvin, whose delicious food and welcoming restaurant brought thousands of people together through the years. Gigi’s was a cornerstone of the community and served for decades as the place where people of all backgrounds came to break bread and be a part of a Buffalo tradition. When a fire in late 2015 destroyed the restaurant the community rallied behind Ms. Harvin, a powerful testament to the impact she had on our community. Ms. Harvin was a friend to the powerless and powerful alike, treating all her guests with dignity and compassion while serving the kind of food that was sure to bring visitors back again,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “As an elected official, dining at Gigi’s was a rite of passage and a great way to get in touch with community leaders and constituents. We have suffered a real loss with Ms. Harvin’s passing, and while I send thoughts of peace and comfort to her family I also look forward to her legacy living on in the new Gigi’s, operated by her son Darryl inside the Northland Workforce Training Center.”

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