Maneeley's Property Sold; Banquet and Catering Businesses Remain

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — During the 8-month period in which the coronavirus pandemic has turned this country upside down, most businesses have been hammered like never before. A major victim has been the leisure and hospitality industry, with hotels, airlines, restaurants and sports suffering tremendous losses and forcing many to cease operations.

One aspect of the industry taking a massive hit has been wedding professionals and banquet facilities. One of Connecticut's top venues, Maneeley's of South Windsor, has recently undergone a major change to its business, closing the front Grand Ballroom. The smaller Grand Lodge will continue with business as usual, as will the company's catering and food service aspect.

"January until now has crippled us," owner Bruce Maneeley said in an exclusive interview with Patch. "A lot of companies we've hosted here for 25 or 30 years are downsizing. In the last few months, we've had so many trade shows, weddings and proms canceled."

On Oct. 22, the Maneeley's property at 65 Rye Street, including the 22,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, the 6,000 square foot Grand Lodge and about six and a half acres of land, were sold for $2 million, according to South Windsor property records. The buyer was a newly-formed limited liability company called Top of the Ninth LLC.

Maneeley would not say what type of business would be opened by the new owner in the former Grand Ballroom. However, he emphasized Maneeley's will continue on in the Grand Lodge, built in 2010 and located behind the larger front building.

"The Grand Lodge has a capacity of 225 with tables and 300 for seating," Maneeley said. "It is the perfect size for nearly any event."

Since re-opening in late August following major restrictions on venues imposed by Gov. Ned Lamont, many weddings have shortened guest lists from 65 to 90 people, in accordance with the executive order limiting indoor events to 100 attendees. Maneeley feels the trend of downsizing events is likely to continue.

"About 40 percent of venues in our industry have closed, but we have over 100 weddings booked for 2021," he said. "Everyone has been very cooperative, but it's just not enough to warrant keeping the entire facility."

Maneeley got his indoctrination into the food service industry with the late Jimmy Generis of Generis Catering, then started his own business in 1980 in East Hartford. Maneeley's moved to South Windsor seven years later, and has occupied its current site since 1999.

One of the intangibles which has propelled Maneeley's to the top of the industry in north-central Connecticut has been the loyalty of its staff members.

"I've had a lot of good people constantly behind me," Maneeley said. "Six or eight of them have been with me for 10 to 25 years."

Drop-off catering and off-site dinners are specialties of which Maneeley is quite proud. From corporate functions to backyard barbecues, the business customizes a menu to suit any needs.

An upcoming special features a complete Thanksgiving dinner for 12 people, picked up hot and ready to eat. A 16-18 oven roasted whole turkey, gravy, vegetable herb stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, fire roasted sweet corn, sweet potato casserole and dinner rolls with butter are all included, as well as apple and pumpkin pies.

An emotional Maneeley, while lamenting the loss of the big venue he called home for more than two decades, nonetheless is optimistic he and the rest of the dedicated crew will continue to provide memorable, top-notch events for years to come.

"My staff and I want to thank everyone who has supported us for 40 years, and there's plenty more to come."

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