Shoe Repair Becomes Watering Hole

We get super excited when we get to work with clients that want to take a chance on something really cool and unique. At Realty Growth, we’ve seen plenty of properties change hands, and every once in a while, a project comes along that feels like a huge W for the community.

We recently sat down with the team behind The Shoe Beverage Bar, located on North Broadway in Rochester’s Lowertown neighborhood. If the name sounds familiar, it should because this space was the long-standing home of a local shoe repair shop.

Former Shoe and Zipper Repair

Newly Renovated, The Shoe Beverage Bar

Today, the only thing being "repaired" here is your boredom.  The heart and (ok I am going to say it) soul (pun intended obviously) of the building remains firmly intact.

The Vision: A Much Needed "Third Space"

When the owners or self-described "cobblers" first reached out to us to look at the property, it was completely gutted. It took a serious entrepreneurial spirit to look at a skeleton of a building and see a vibrant neighborhood hub.

1 Former Shoe repair where the bar was the counter. 

2 The new owners kept the former sign as an homage to the history of the building.

3 The original cobblers imprinted their names into the floor over the years and the team left it intact as a tribute to them.

4 Right: The Cobblers- Matt and Frankie Jewison, Jack Lester, and Eric Kramlinger. Left: Matt Gove of Realty Growth.

5 The Shoe Beverage Bar will be an awesome addition to the lowertown neighborhood. 

The goal wasn't just to open another bar. It was to create a "third space" that essential spot between work and home where you can actually connect with your community.

"We wanted a comfortable place for folks, no matter where you are on your beverage journey... a place where you might just go hang out and feel a little more part of your community." Said Matt Jewison, one of the "cobblers."

The Shoe features a curated beverage program designed to be inclusive. Whether you’re looking for a specialty craft cocktail, a classic $3 Hamms, or a high-end non-alcoholic option, they’ve got you covered.

Curated Drinks:  A wide range from specialty spirits to tasty NA mixes.
Local Snacks: You can grab local favorites like Caroll’s Corn if you need a little something in the belly.

The Vibe: It’s homey, welcoming, and perfect for a great conversation or brainstorming your next big idea.

Live Music and Events

One of the most unique aspects of The Shoe is its deep connection to the arts. Co-owner Eric Kramlinger brings a background in professional music and recording to the table, turning the bar into a high-end "listening room."

On the first Sunday of every month, The Shoe hosts intimate live music sessions. An interesting "quality of Artist life" value-ad is that musicians receive a live video recording of their performance, professionally mixed with their songs, to help get local talent out there in a higher quality audiovisual format. Think "Tiny Desk" energy, right here in Lowertown.

Plan Your Visit

We are incredibly proud to have helped this team secure the keys to their vision. Seeing the transformation from a gutted repair shop to this clean and elegant, modern hangout is exactly why we love commercial real estate. 

Hours of Operation

Tuesday – Thursday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM 
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM 
Location: North Broadway, Lowertown Neighborhood, Rochester.

Tickets: Get your tickets right at the venue to reserve limited intimate seating. (They even put your name on a physical list.  We love this added touch) 

Whether you're there for a cup of tea, a soda, or a cold beer, get down to The Shoe. You won’t be disappointed.