Frank's Restaurant, aka Frank's Casa Nova, was located at the corner of East Ferry and Bailey. It enjoyed a heyday as a nightclub during the 1940's, and was on the local band circuit along with the Alhambra and others. The photo above was taken in 1938.
The same view in 2005. Frank is remembered as the quintessential "lounge lizard" as the club evolved into more exotic entertainment after World War II. He was the star of his establishment and emcee of the strippers and female impersonators who became the main attraction. A visit to Frank's was high on the entertainment list for well-heeled Buffalonians and out-of- towners.
Buffalonians today have their memories of strippers with names such as "Busty" Russell, "Bonnie the Baby Bombshell of Burlesque." Karl Josker grew up nearby and recalls the fancy feather boa worn by one of the strippers who posed in the window as live advertisement.
Frank's Casa Nova seems to have closed in the 1970's. The building, much remodeled, is vacant in 2005. Thanks to Karl R. Josker and members of the Buffalo History online group for sharing their memories of Frank's.
