Venue 104 Catering Opens Up In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ - Owner and chef Franco Vitella is a 3-time winner of “Most Creative Caterer,” has opened Venue 104 just in time for the holidays, according to officials.

According to Downtown Cranford, Venue 104, located at 104 North Union Ave., is a true collaboration between the husband and wife team of Franco and Ally Vitella, according to Downtown Cranford. Franco does the cooking for the catering venue while Ally backs him up with marketing and client services. The seeds for their business were planted years ago, when Franco was just a boy.

Officials said:

"Franco Vitella was born in the United States, but moved to Italy with his family when he was eight. His father opened a restaurant in Milan and the entire family pitched in to help. Franco learned how to make homemade pasta and sauces, and an early love for the culinary arts was born. Upon moving back to the United States, Franco attended the School for Visual Arts and made the decision to combine his passions for food and art into one. Franco opened a small deli in Nutley, and by a stroke of luck was offered the chance to cater John Legend’s Grammy Party, officials said. The success of that event led to additional catering jobs and Franco and Ally saw their business transform into Franco Vitella Catered Affairs.

Franco and Ally have catered high-profile events, including those for Johnny Depp, Bruce Springsteen, major television networks, and Tony Award after parties. The company also caters weddings, Sweet 16 birthday parties, corporate events, bar mitzvahs, fundraisers, and more. Doreen Sayegh, the owner of the Cranford Theater, recently hired Franco to cater the theater's grand re-opening. Franco has become known throughout the industry for his creativity and is a 3-time winner of “Most Creative Caterer,” awarded by ILEA NJ. He considers himself not only a caterer, but also a gastronomist and artist. A sample menu for one of his events may include options like a Savory Ice Cream Cone (topped with homemade mozzarella and balsamic fudge) or Dragon Popcorn, where the popcorn is tossed into liquid nitrogen so diners will then blow cold air out of their mouths.

Ally and Franco were looking for the opportunity to open a small event space that also included an open kitchen. “When we first came to Cranford, we just felt it had that Hallmark town feel,” said Ally. “We knew that people here would appreciate our food, and we already love being a part of this community.” Thanks to the work of MWT Builders, another downtown Cranford business, the space came together and the couple is thrilled with the final result."

Venue 104 is located at 104 North Union Ave. and can be reached at (908) 272-8368.

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