The sprawling banquet hall and reception center we have come to know over the past dozen years as simply The Vineland Center will cease to exist so that the property where it has been housed can be sold on the open market.
Renowned local business owner Chef Don Damron who has owned and operated the catering business and reception hall in the leased space at 1155 Vineland Road in St. Joseph has today shared his fate on the Facebook page he created to showcase the myriad events that have been hosted there from Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours events and Dueling Piano shows to hundreds of wedding receptions, birthday parties, retirement events and more.
He called, “A post that no business owner looks forward to writing.” Here’s what he had to say:
“Today is our last day at the Vineland Center. The property owners notified us a couple months ago that they would like to sell the property and since our lease was expiring, this is the perfect time for a transition. It will be easier for them to sell the property if there isn’t a long term lease.
To be sure, we can still do food catering for you. Call me.
So we are transitioning from a venue to catering services. You can still have the food and meals that you have raved about the past 12 years delivered to your event. Just call and I’ll be happy help you. My contact information will remain the same. You can call 269-556-9901 or email me at sales@vinelandcenter.com
I was just going to shut down this page quietly, but there are so many people that I want to publicly thank that have helped make us successful the past 12 years.
Thank you to my wife and kids that had to put up with the sacrifices and the emotional roller coaster that is attached to small business ownership.
Thank you to the rest of my family that has had my back no matter the situations and keeping me sane.
Thank you to all the employees that worked so hard to make our customer’s events perfect. I know it’s hard to work and stay focused when everyone around you is partying and having a great time. It’s because of you that they have terrific memories that they will cherish a lifetime.
To all the customers that trusted us to host your event, thank you! Whether it was a social event, wedding, office meeting or holiday party, you have no idea how fulfilling it is to work an event from start to finish and help you achieve your dream event. Helping you has been a lifelong blessing.
And I want to send a big thank you to my friends Joe and Karla Giannola (property owners) for all their support over the past 12 years. I am so grateful to know you.
While this is a difficult post to write, I have big plans that are in the works. As soon as I am ready for them to be public, I will let you know.
Again to everyone, my deepest heartfelt thank you…stay tuned.
Chef Don
P.S. Don’t forget, we can still do food catering for you. Call me.”
