By: Paul Smith
In a city where food, football, and family fuel everyday life, Off The Wall Sandwich Co. has grown into more than just a burger joint—it’s emerged as a Buffalo staple. Born during the uncertainty of the 2020 pandemic and built on passion, partnership, and unapologetic flavor, Off The Wall is the creation of Christian Sparcino and Elizabeth Dean, a couple who turned a shared dream into one of Western New York’s most talked-about restaurants.
Now, with a bigger location slated to open in mid-2025 at 4154 McKinley Pkwy, Suite 400, Blasdell, NY, the story of Off The Wall is just heating up.
From Pandemic Pivot to Southtowns Favorite
Christian, a chef with roots in the kitchens of Shanghai Red’s, and Elizabeth, a seasoned operations manager from Buffalo RiverWorks, were no strangers to the food industry. But when COVID-19 changed the world, they shifted direction—and went all in on building something of their own.
They found a small vacant frozen yogurt shop in Orchard Park, rolled up their sleeves, and launched Off The Wall with nothing more than ambition, a few family recipes, and the drive to bring something bold to Buffalo’s food scene.
The Burger That Celebrates Buffalo
The menu took creative risks from the beginning, but one item quickly gained attention: The Billz Mafia Burger—a towering tribute to Buffalo football culture and hometown hunger.
- Ground steak blend patty
- Cheddar cheese
- Thick-cut bacon
- Crumbly or classic blue cheese
- Buffalo chicken wing dip
- A chicken finger tossed in Buffalo sauce
Available in both Regular ($20) and Jr. ($13.50) sizes, it’s not just a burger—it’s a bite of Buffalo tradition.
A Family-Run Operation with Local Soul
What sets Off The Wall apart isn’t just what’s on the plate—it’s who’s behind the counter.
From day one, it’s been a family affair. Elizabeth’s son and nephews work the line. Christian runs the kitchen. Elizabeth handles the guest experience and branding. Together, they created a space that feels less like a restaurant and more like home.
And in Buffalo, that kind of authenticity tends to resonate.
The Shnow Burger: A Star-Studded Collaboration
In classic Off The Wall style, the next chapter includes a high-impact collaboration—this time with Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins.
Together, they created The Shnow Burger, a savory, playful twist on comfort food that blends local favorites with a little celebrity flavor:
- Ground steak blend patty
- Caramelized onions
- Mac ‘n’ cheese
- Provolone cheese
- A chicken finger tossed in teriyaki sauce
Even better? A portion of the proceeds goes to Dion’s Dreamers, Dawkins’ nonprofit organization supporting underserved youth and families in Buffalo.
It’s a burger with purpose, and another example of how Off The Wall uses food to create connections beyond just meals.
A New Home for a Growing Legacy
After nearly four years in Orchard Park, Off The Wall has outgrown its original space. In mid-2025, the restaurant will welcome guests to its new, larger home at 4154 McKinley Pkwy, Suite 400, Blasdell, NY.
The move is expected to provide more seating, more parking, and more opportunities to serve fans from all over the Southtowns, without compromising the heart that built the brand.
“We started small, but the support from this community has been overwhelming,” Christian shared. “Blasdell gives us room to keep growing, keep experimenting, and keep repping Buffalo the way we know how.”
Looking Ahead
With a new location on the way, a growing menu, and a deepening connection to the city they serve, Christian and Elizabeth are building more than a brand—they’re fostering a movement.
Off The Wall is messy, flavorful, and proud to be from Buffalo. And as they enter their next chapter in Blasdell, they’re staying true to the same mission that started it all: serve food that hits different, make people feel like family, and stay 100% off the wall.
Off The Wall Sandwich Co.
New Location Opening Mid-2025: 4154 McKinley Pkwy, Suite 400, Blasdell, NY
Final Bite
What started as a pandemic-era leap of faith has become one of Buffalo’s most exciting food stories. With a new space, a growing fanbase, and burgers that speak for themselves, Off The Wall Sandwich Co. isn’t just serving food—it’s contributing to the next generation of Buffalo flavor.
Published by Jeremy S.
