New ‘budget-friendly’ event venue opens in Vernon
Space can host birthdays, meetings receptions, more
Kenny Gonzalez and Sharlene Otero had a dream of owning a small business, and appear to have found a niche to fill in Vernon.
The grand opening of Modern Style Events took place on Sept. 7, and visitors got to view the venue that can host birthdays, meetings, wedding receptions, and all types of events.
“It was more Sharlene’s idea. She was inspired,” Gonzalez said. “We just wanted to put something together for the community that was affordable, and more modern than all of the other banquet halls.”
“We noticed there was nothing like this in the area for this kind of venue,” Otero said. “Our location is really good, too.”
The venue occupies 400-2 Talcottville Road, so drive-by traffic is indeed promising.
Once inside, visitors see a large, open, 2,100 square foot room, with adjacent kitchen and game room. The back of the facility is another, as-yet-unfinished 1,700 sq. ft. room, but once renovated, will be able to accommodate larger events, or two events at one time.
“In the area, we’re probably the most modern, up-todate place like this, with a fresh, new vibe,” Gonzalez said.
“I think that’s important, because a lot of places are really expensive,” Otero said. “We’re budget-friendly, we offer payment plans. We’re willing to work with people.”
The couple said they started working on their business in January. Both still work full-time jobs, and said the fact that most events take place on weekends makes it easy for them to run the business.
“Fortunately, most of our receptions and birthday parties are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays,” Gonzalez said. “During the day, we could host a seminar. I’d just make sure it’s open and ready for them. So, it doesn’t require us to be here 24/7 or even 9 to 5.”
The venue already has bookings as far out as next summer.
“We have bookings from
September to next June,” Gonzalez said. “We get bookings almost every day. We’re excited.”
Melissa Smith, executive director of the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce, said the venue is a welcome one.
“It’s nice to have a banquet facility in this area, because we do not have one,
that I can think of, in the Town of Vernon,” Smith said. “So, when you think of birthday parties, when you think of anniversary parties, when you think of anything that you’d prefer not to have in your home, or have to clean up, certainly think of them.”
Smith added that Modern Style Events also has a list
of caterers and other local businesses to help with whatever people need for their event.
“They’ll be able to supply that for you, or you can bring in your own stuff,” she said. “You can make it anything you want.”
For more information, visit www.modernstyleevents.com.