Renewed In-Person Events Boost Chrystal’s Catering

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Renewed demand for events, weddings, banquets, parties, fundraisers and public gatherings in 2022 also meant a big year for Jeffrey Chrystal Catering, and the bookings show no sign of slowing down in 2023.

“It’s exciting to be back to a full schedule of catering events like we’re used to,” says owner Jeff Chrystal. “Right now, we’re catering weddings and events outside of the Mahoning Valley and on a larger scale.”

The region’s catering industry was among the most impacted by event cancellations in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he says.

With a return to in-person gatherings, many caterers saw their calendars fill quickly, and Chrystal’s was no exception.

This year, Chrystal Catering is casting a wider footprint and has started catering corporate dining events at venues throughout Ohio and out-of-state with capacities of 2,000 people. Chrystal’s menu features a custom selection of homemade items, handcrafted breads, sides, and entrees including seafood and hand-cut meats, as well as speciality desserts.

In January, Chrystal’s annual Lobster Night at Knoll Run Golf Course proved to be another sellout. Seafood lovers enjoyed a weekend menu of Maine lobsters – pulled fresh from the Atlantic and personally handpicked by Chrystal – and other entrees. Lobster Night will return in March.

Also in 2022, Chrystal’s offered a full menu of complete holiday meal selections on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve for individuals and families to ease the stress of the holidays.

“Everyone knows food brings people together,” Chrystal says. “From family gatherings to celebrations with friends, people congregate around food. It’s a sense of comfort and togetherness.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.