Mustafa Tanbakucki looks out over Delaware Street from the top of the Tonawanda Armory Dan Cappellazzo/Staff photographer Click on photo for larger image

New and improved armory
Eric O Connor
Saturday, October 30, 2025

Nothing ventured is nothing gained, that’s the motto of the Tonawanda Armory’s new owner, Mustafa Tanbakuchi.

The owner of PC Expanders on Sheridan Drive in Amherst has had a good run of business successes — a trend he hopes to continue with the armory.

But success for Tanbakuchi does not mean turning a big profit. If he can restore the armory to its former glory and break even, that’s good enough for him.

“It needs to be something the community can enjoy, I don’t want somebody to come in and close the door. It shouldn’t be a one person property,” he said. “My intention is truly at this point to break even. I’m not a rich guy, but I’m happy with what I’ve got. Part of my life purpose is not to fill my pocket and walk away.”

Tanbakuchi is investing gobs of his own money to fix the place up — new painting, new wood, new floors, new everything. He hopes to spruce it up enough to attract a company to come in and set up shop. Whether it’s new office spaces, a new community center, or a new skate park, Tanbakuchi insists the public must have a say in its new use.

So far, there are no interested tenants.

“I could convert the gym into some sort of skate park, but keep parts of it for volleyball and soccer, use the basement for a video game party place for the kids because there’s not too much for them to do, and then use the front part for offices or an art gallery. A catering company or a restaurant could even come in because of the big kitchen,” he said.



Tanbakuchi was born in Iran, but graduated from Utah State. It was there he meet his wife, Susan Myers, from North Tonawanda.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the State University at Buffalo.

Tanbakuchi lives in Grand Island with his wife Susan, and his two children, Sarah, 17 and Joseph, 14.

Those with ideas for the new, refurbished armory are encouraged to go to www.wnyarmory.com and send Tanbakuchi suggestions.



For the rest of this story, see today's edition of the Tonawanda News. Call 693-1005 to subscribe.



Contact Eric O’Connor at (716) 693-1000, Ext. 115.










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