Legendary Buffalo Restaurant Owner Has Passed Away

If you grew up in Western New York, chances are slim that you haven’t stepped foot inside or heard stories about the iconic Rootie’s Sports Bar. 

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The popular Bills’ bar, known for their amazing wings (arguably one of the best in the Buffalo area at the time) and their buzzworthy blue cheese that came on the side. Sadly the original Rootie’s location shut its doors in 2003, but that didn’t stop Rootie’s from remaining a household name. 

Once Rootie’s began bottling their amazing blue cheese, it became a staple in households across Western New York. From Batavia to Niagara Falls, it’s rare to open up a refrigerator and not find Rootie’s. Rootie’s Blue Cheese is so popular in Buffalo and beyond that it even prompted a shortage for a time last year. 

The brains behind Rootie’s was Buffalo-born Marty Stein, who remained the face of the Rootie’s brand even after closing his beloved establishment. He became a familiar face behind the bar, and even made national TV appearances to show off his chicken wing skills.

Unfortunately, we’ve recently learned that this Buffalo icon has left us, leaving our Western New York community devastated. 

Marty Stein Of Rootie’s Has Passed Away

According to posts on social media, Marty Stein, chicken wing legend and founder of Rootie’s Sports Bar and Rootie’s Blue Cheese, has died.

The cause is unknown at this time, but both former patrons and employees of Stein are sharing their grief, along with their memories of this Buffalo legend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stein family at this time. The next time we reach into the fridge for some Rootie’s to go with our wings, we’ll definitely be pouring some out for Marty.