The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency is working with a pierogi business in the northern end of the county get back on its feet.

The county IDA had previously loaned Lancaster Foods, LLC around $85,000. The business operates Barbie Crockski Pierogi in Silver Creek.

The business still owes the county IDA about $54,000 and another entity around $125,000.

In October, the Chautauqua County Legislature transferred the business property, located at 12 Howard St., to the IDA for $30,674, which was the amount owed in back taxes.

After that transfer, county IDA Director Mark Geise said Lancaster Foods has agreed to pay the back and current taxes, get current on their loans by the first quarter of 2026. “If they do all of those things … we’re looking at a deal where we will sell them the property and they can stay there,” he said.

Geise said they got behind when one of the owners had some health issues.

Geise added that they have some new contracts and have communicated that they believe they can meet the financial requirements set by the IDA.

Geise admitted “it will be a challenge” but he hopes it can work out. “The IDA is all about keeping businesses going in our community, keeping the jobs intact, and that’s what this will do,” he said.

If Lancaster Foods fails to meet the financial goals then Geise said the property will be put up for sale. “This is a way for us to protect our interest,” he said.

While the county IDA owns the property, it will charge Lancaster Foods “nominal rent.”

Attorney Milian Tyler with the county IDA said this proposal is meant to be a “short-term agreement.”

Kristine Morabito with the county IDA said the agreement calls for Lancaster Foods to pay at least $22,500 by Dec. 23 and then pay the balance by April 3. “Christmas and Easter are very busy seasons for them so that’s what they felt was reasonable and we felt that was reasonable,” she said.

The agreement was unanimously approved by the county IDA Board of Directors.