Renovations at Firestone Banquet Center Just ‘Step One’

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – The renovation of the banquet center at The Links at Firestone Farms is just “step one” of the future management has planned for the space.

“Everything is moving down in this direction. Columbiana is not as far as it used to be,” says general manager Michael Ferranti.

As such, The Links Banquet Center is looking to attract more professionals for business meetings and golf outings at the updated hall, which is now used primarily as a venue for wedding receptions.

“So the next step we’re going to be taking is going to be with computer screens and other things for business meetings,” Ferranti says.

Eventually he hopes to be able to divide the room, which has a maximum capacity of 300, so they can hold more than one event, which can also take advantage of the 18-hole golf course.

“We can provide a nice business meeting, brunch, lunch in the beginning of the day. Then bring the guys down and have a golf outing in the afternoon,” he explains.

In January and February, Ferranti says, workmen updated all the carpeting and chairs and added a bridal room just off the lobby.

“It gives the brides an area to get together with the bridesmaids and the family before they come into the room. It’s something that not a lot of places have,” he says.

So far management has invested a little more than $50,000 in the center.

“But it was a much bigger investment than the dollar amount,” Ferranti says. “And we’ve had a terrific response.”

Last year, The Links Banquet Center was booked for weddings every Saturday from April through the end of the year, reports banquet center manager George David.

“Another thing that sets us apart from other facilities in the area is our rustic barn,” he says, which is more than a century old and can hold 150 guests.

“The nice thing about this facility is everything can be done here,” George says. “Your pictures, the ceremony, walk right down to the banquet facility and have your reception.”

In addition to weddings and corporate events, the center also hosts a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and a Friday fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. during Lent.

Both events, which are open to the public, as well as the recent development of the Town Center at Firestone Farms, have been helpful in introducing new guests to the center, George says. “We’re really not that far from Boardman, Canfield, Poland. We’re only five minutes down the road. Come see us.”

Pictured: Michael Ferranti, general manager of The Links at Firestone Farms, and banquet center manager George David say the renovations will add amenities for business meetings.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.