New Downtown Restaurant Continuing the Revitalization of the St. Joseph's Park Neighborhood

This Spring, downtown Rochester will welcome a new dining destination, Shell, spearheaded by acclaimed chef Cruz Nieves. While Nieves is known for his pop-ups and private events through Shell Experiences, this new enterprise marks his first brick-and-mortar restaurant.

With previous experience at local favorites like Rocco, Snug Harbor, and Rella, as well as a background working in restaurants in New York City, Nieves brings a wealth of culinary expertise to Shell.

Shell is a joint venture between Nieves and Tim Tompkins, the owner of the building at the northeast corner of Pleasant Street and Liberty Pole Way where the restaurant will be located.

Interestingly, the build-out for the new restaurant is actually creating a brand-new address, 50 Pleasant Street, due to an entrance being carved into the side of the building where one did not previously exist.

Shell will feature a rotating a la carte menu with 10-12 items, as well as weekend tasting menus with wine pairings. The restaurant marks one of several exciting developments happening in the St. Joseph's Park Neighborhood, including Ibero-American Development Corporation's 6-story, 76-unit Alta Vista apartment project currently under construction on the adjacent block.

"I love downtown Rochester," said Nieves. "And I am really excited to be bringing something to this neighborhood."

For updates and information about the impending opening, visit Shell's website at shell-restaurant.com or on Instagram.

Rendering of the $32 million Alta Vista mixed-income housing project at the corner of Franklin St. and Pleasant St downtown. The building is currently under construction on the block between St. Joseph's Park (seen in the background) and the new Shell Restaurant.