Since May 2021, we’ve been honored to operate as a restaurant, bar, and live music venue on Elmwood Ave in our beloved home of Buffalo, NY. Our mission has always been to celebrate and uplift the local community—showcasing Buffalo’s incredible musicians, artists, food vendors, breweries, distilleries, and winemakers while providing a vibrant space for thousands of guests who cherish what we bring to the neighborhood.

Jack Rabbit is more than just a bar, restaurant, and music venue. We’re a second home to so many—our staff, our musicians, and the loyal patrons who have made this place their gathering spot. Our bartenders and servers count on their shifts to make ends meet. Our kitchen staff takes pride in serving up meals that fuel not just bodies, but also the spirit of community. The musicians who grace our stage aren’t just performers—they’re artists who pour their hearts into their craft, and we’re one of the few venues in Buffalo that provide them with a space to share their music and get paid fairly for their work.

However, all of this is now under serious threat. Despite being fully permitted, operating responsibly, adhering to consistent weekend time restrictions, encouraging patrons to be respectful of the neighbors, training security staff, and upgrading and improving the interior to contain sound within the building - for the past almost four years, a tiny group of neighbors has relentlessly lodged complaints against us. These persistent grievances have led to the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) pursuing a case against Jack Rabbit—one that could devastate not just our ability to feature live music, but the lives and livelihoods of so many people who depend on this space.

THIS ISN’T JUST ABOUT US—this is about the local musicians who rely on paid gigs to survive. It’s about the 100+ incredible employees who rely on their jobs to pay rent, put food on the table, and support their families. It’s about the cultural heartbeat of Buffalo—a place where artists, music lovers, and neighbors come together to celebrate the energy and creativity that make our city special. The proposed programming schedule changes from the liquor authority would sink our business, directly pulling thousands of dollars from the hands of our staff and local musicians. This change will mean immediate staff layoffs and band cancelations.  Losing live music at Jack Rabbit wouldn’t just silence a stage; it would take away paychecks, security, and the soul of a thriving artistic community.

We have done everything we can to be good neighbors. We’ve invested tens of thousands of dollars into soundproofing, made adjustments to accommodate concerns, and have always been open to compromise. We have paid over $800,000 directly to local musicians, donated meals to food banks, and supported charities, including being the primary sponsor of Music is Art. Despite all of this, a handful of voices threaten to undo everything we’ve built.

Now, this fight is bigger than us—it’s about protecting a place that means so much to so many. If we lose, Buffalo loses. The musicians lose. Our staff loses. And our community loses a space that fosters connection, creativity, and culture.

We are fighting back, but we can’t do it alone. We need your help to show the SLA that Jack Rabbit is an essential part of Elmwood Village and Buffalo as a whole. By signing our petition, you are standing up for live music, for local jobs, and for the right of a community to thrive.

Your voice matters. Your support can make the difference between a neighborhood filled with music and one that’s forced into silence. Let’s show that Buffalo stands for art, music, inclusivity, and community.

Personal letters of support are also welcomed and can be sent to josh@jackrabbitbuffalo.com.

From the bottom of our hearts—our staff, our patrons, our musicians, the owners and their families—we thank you.

**** After you sign you will be prompted to donate or share. Please note that the donations DO NOT go to Jack Rabbit or directly to this cause. They simply go to change.org and their mission to support all local causes.