Darci Cramer
March 17, 2023

This week we are delighted to spotlight Darci Cramer, who with her husband Jim Cornell, own Eckl’s restaurant.  Darci grew up in Beachwood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland that is a predominately Jewish community.  With access to two locations of the famous Corky and Lenny’s deli, there was never a second thought of how to access traditional Jewish foods out of the home. 

In 1998, Darci moved to the Buffalo area and lives in the Southtowns with her husband, Jim (who she was delighted to learn is 4% Ashkenazi Jew!).  Darci called Temple Sinai home until it merged into Congregation Shir Shalom, where her children, Sophie (23) and Adam (19), became b’nai mitzvah.

In 2016, Jim purchased Eckl’s restaurant in Orchard Park and opened the 2nd location in the Larkin Center of Commerce in 2018.  The pandemic forced Darci and Jim to shut down the restaurants, and ultimately, they were able to reopen the Larkin location this past August.  While Eckl’s is the originator of Buffalo’s Beef on Weck sandwich and features steak and seafood, Darci saw an opportunity for the restaurant to provide inspired dishes related to the Jewish holidays.  With Passover on the horizon, that has finally become a reality. 

Eckl’s at Larkin is happy to announce their Passover-themed specials, which include Matzo Ball Soup, Charoset & Roasted Beet Salad, Herb Crusted Lamb Chops, Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cake, and served with Nana Estate wines that Jim brought back from the Negev in Israel.  While these offerings are not under kosher supervision, they will certainly entice your tastebuds with hints of traditional Jewish nosh.  Eckl’s has a long history in Western New York for over 100 years.  Darci and Jim are honored to be part of this WNY gem and invite you experience it with them!

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