Downtown Dunkirk, especially Central Avenue, has lacked an energy for many years. With so many major locations moving out — and the Masonic Temple fire of 2010 — it is good to see some businesses see potential in the county’s Queen City by the lake.

Last week, two Fredonia businesses — one new and another with national celebrity status — announced interest in the site at Fifth Street and Central Avenue that once housed an optician and more recently a pharmacy at a Planning Board meeting. Lena’s Pizza and Taqo are hoping to build on their village success in the city.

“In continuing to further our expansion, we’re looking into that building at 436 Central in Dunkirk,” said Matt Swank of Lena’s, which also is eyeing a Westfield site. “We have a loyal customer base down in Dunkirk. What we’re really trying to do is alleviate some of the business at our Fredonia facility.”

Small business is doing all it can to survive what is one of the most challenging times in our country. It seems as though this is something the city needs as much as the restaurants.