"Hello? We're here and open for business."
That's the message from Park Lane Catering (PLC), in the Statler Towers. Recent news coverage about Bashar Issa's redevelopment plans may have given the general public a different idea, but Park Lane Catering Executive Molly Ford wants everyone to know that PLC's involvement in the Stater's Golden Ballroom, Terrace Room and Rendezvous Room is not affected.
"It's unfortunate that the fate of our business is bundled up with what's happening with Mr. Issa's development plans. I can assure you that we are ready to host events that are planned and future events that require an historic and elegant setting," said Ford. She goes on to say that the improvements made to the building make PLC's efforts as an event planner all the better.
After news of Issa's halting work at the Statler surfaced, PLC fielded numerous phone calls from panicked brides and local event planners. The Statler Golden Ballroom will soon become command central for many proms, college formals, galas and fund raisers including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, Hispanics United of Buffalo, Muscular Dystrophy, Carly's Club (Roswell), SABAH, CATS, Heritage Oak, and the NYS Teachers Federation.
"Issa's plans were put on hold," said Ford. "That doesn't mean the building is closed or that the businesses that have kept the Statler alive for many years are going away. We have 80 plus weddings booked through the end of the year and into 2010. We're here to stay."