Tuxedo Junction founder sells business to management team

Barry Snyder, founder of Tuxedo Junction, has sold the company to his veteran management team and a longtime associate.

Snyder began operations in 1969 with the first store located in the Sheridan Harlem Plaza in Amherst. By 1972, he had five stores, one of which is still operating as Southgate Plaza's oldest continuous tenant.

During the 1970s and '80s, Tuxedo Junction expanded first in Rochester; Syracuse; Erie, Pa.; and Cleveland. During the 1980s, it also acquired the assets of the former Wolkind Brothers in Buffalo and a number of other small operators in other markets.

The business was established in Pittsburgh in the 1990s and also in Akron, Canton, and Youngstown, Ohio.

The company's wholesale division distributes tuxedos to other wedding-related merchants, with more than 400 active accounts throughout the Northeast.

Tuxedo Junction employs approximately 200 people in Western New York and plans to add jobs at its Williamsville headquarters as growth continues.

"We are indebted to Barry Snyder for his leadership through the years and for extending this great opportunity to our management team," said Cal Cleveland, the president. "We plan to continue his legacy as owners of this strong regional business committed to growth and superb customers service."

Snyder, who is also one of the founders of Greater Buffalo Savings Bank and its chairman, will remain involved in Tuxedo Junction as a mentor and consultant, maintaining an office at the headquarters in Williamsville.

"This was never meant to be a family business, so I am very pleased to have this team, who has been managing the business for many years, take over the ownership," Snyder said. "They are realizing the American Dream: to own a company - especially one in your hometown."

The nine Tuxedo Junction personnel who are involved in the transaction have combined service of nearly 250 years with the company.