"Brewery district" now open for tours

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Downtown Buffalo is looking to attract more visitors, and a new concept called the Buffalo Brewing District could be the answer.

The district features the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, Hotel Lafayette and the Lofts on Pearl property, which are lofts in the J.A. Webb building, which was built in 1878.

The lofts include 32-boutique suites plus banquet and meeting space below. Tourism partners from the U.S. and Canada hope these and other attractions will draw more visitors from both sides of the border.

Pearl Street Grill Managing Partner Earl Ketry said, "Our goal is not to try to reach out and grab customers from a Clarence, or East Aurora; we believe the marketing opportunity is to the Pittsburghs, the Clevelands, the Chicagos, and that's our intent. We're being extremely collaborative with Canada, and that's our goal."

To help bring tourists from Canada, the brewery district will advertise, set up brewery and winery tours and reach out to coach and tour companies to spread the word.