Damian Spalla wants to make finding an Ethiopian restaurant in East Aurora, a brewery in Wilson or a gym in Kenmore a bit easier, and he’s betting the Discover 716 app will do just that.
The app, which is free to download, has been live since early March, and, according to Spalla, the digital directory is the first of its kind in the Buffalo/Niagara region.
“It kind of just gives everyone information about what’s going on in Buffalo,” he said. “It’s good for if you’re in town visiting, or if you’re from here and you’re looking for something to do, it’s a good reminder of what’s out there and what Buffalo’s got to offer.”
The app is more than a directory, though.
Discover 716 offers users features such as coupons and push notifications.
The app’s map, which shows users the locations of the type of business they’re looking for, also allows quick access to directions, individual websites and contact information. The event calendar lets users plan out their weekends, with information on the various “Taste of” summer events, for example. Users can even find a body shop or a spa with Discover 716.
So far, Discover 716 has garnered an estimated 3,000 downloads, Spalla said.
He added that he will soon have an expanded presence on social media and in person.
He said he’s already integrating into the business community and Buffalo/Niagara
community at large, and as the app expands, he wants to keep that aspect central.
Overall, Spacca wants Discover 716 to be a go-to resource for Western New Yorkers and visitors alike.
“What our goal is is to get everybody out of the house and not sitting around [and] supporting local businesses. ... Our biggest goal is to create a community in the 716, hence the name discover, to see what’s out there in Buffalo,” he said. “There’s a lot of little nooks and crannies in Buffalo/Niagara that people don’t know or aren’t aware of or kind of forgot about. This is a reminder.” The app is available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Additionally, those interested in checking out Discover 716 can visit www.discover716.com for a preview.
Business owners interested in being listed on Discover 716 can fill out a form on the website.
Article by Bryan Jackson, The Clearance Bee.
email: @beenews.combjackson@beenews.com