Cassadaga Shurfine announced it is discontinuing its Indian buffet despite “wonderful customers.”

CASSADAGA — A decision by a village store and restaurant to discontinue its Indian buffet after “hurtful and racist remarks” is being met with disappointment and support for the ownership after a social media post last week.

Cassadaga Shurfine made the announcement last week on its Facebook page. “We want to share something from the heart today,” the post said. “Our Indian buffet has been a labor of love — something we worked hard to create, believing (and seeing!) that many of you truly enjoyed it.

“Unfortunately, despite the positive feedback from so many wonderful customers, we’ve also faced hurtful and racist remarks. Some have called our food ‘nasty’ or worse, and one person even told us, ‘Why are you doing Indian food here? We are Americans — we don’t want to eat Indian food. It smells bad and all.’ People who work here also faced racism.

“Hearing things like this is disheartening and goes against the spirit of food, which should bring people together.”

As of Wednesday, the post had 314 caring, sad and angry emojis with 163 comments and 85 shares.

One of the commenters who spoke up for the ownership of the store and the buffet was Sheriff Jim Quattrone. “I’d like to encourage you to rethink the decision to discontinue and focus on all those people who support your efforts,” the sheriff said.

“I also realize it’s easier said than done. My only complaint is I didn’t realize you had the buffet as I would have loved to stop for it. If you change your mind and start it again please yell from the roof tops — I’d stand first in line but that might be too much competition.”

In June 2023, Chautauqua County Legislators passed a motion to denounce racism countywide, while promoting equality and inclusion for all.

According to the county web site, the motion passed unanimously after it was introduced bipartisanly by former and current Legislators David Wilfong (R-Jamestown) with co-sponsors Tom Nelson (D-Jamestown), Susan Parker (D-Fredonia), Lisa Vanstrom (R-Ellicott), Billy Torres (D-Jamestown), Tom Harmon (R-Silver Creek), Elisabeth Rankin (R-Jamestown) and Bob Bankoski (D-Dunkirk) signing on.

As passed, the resolution notes “racism, in all forms, is an issue that continues to cause harm, division and injustice within our society. The county firmly believes in equality, justice and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or cultural background and recognizes that a diverse and inclusive environment benefits everyone by promoting understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging.”

As a result of the motion’s passage at the time, Chautauqua County remains committed to denouncing racism and striving to make the county a better place to live, work and play.

“The motion is a good start. However, this is not as though we can just check a box on a to-do list and say ok we fixed that and consider it done and move on,” agreed Legislators Nelson, Torres, Bankoski, and Parker. “This is a process, not an event. It will take time, our county and our country have always been a work in progress, so as legislators we can look forward to establishing a working relationship with this group of pastors, and community leaders, and ensuring that Chautauqua County is a place where all people feel welcomed and feel they belong.”

Legislature members will meet again Aug. 27. It will be interesting to see if they take on this item as it has become an issue for a business and community.

Shurfine owners, despite the troubles, remained upbeat. In a phone conversation on Wednesday, they said for the buffet to be continued, there would have to be discussions between ownership and staff.

“To everyone who loved and supported it: we’re truly grateful,” the post said. “If you ever crave our Indian dishes, you can still enjoy them! Just let us know at least a day in advance, and we’ll be happy to prepare a special order for you.”

“Thank you to those who shared kindness and appreciation. You made our efforts worthwhile.”

Orders can be made at 716-595-3232.