WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Opportunity is knocking, as local brides and event planners are now scrambling to find new venues — after it was revealed the West Valley Inn is turning away events.
Dozens of local venues are jumping into the fray, ready to accommodate events which have been canceled — by waving the flag on their Facebook pages, hoping to be shared with someone who needs their help.
“We would love to host your special day!” said Wright’s Farm Restaurant. “We feel especially sorry for those brides and grooms who were counting on hosting their wedding receptions” at the inn, said Country Gardens Events of Rehoboth. “We are owned and operated by citizens of West Warwick and will do what it takes to accommodate anyone who has been displaced by this unfortunate turn of events in our community,” said Cucina Rustica of Cranston.
In the sense of friendly competition, Carriage Inn and Saloon of North Kingstown said, “We will all raise a glass tonight in honor of the West Valley Inn. You will be missed.”
Finding a replacement
But now event planners face the problem of matching up the preferred date to venues’ existing schedules: is your location available on my wedding date?
Here is a partial list of venues or caterers looking to pick up business:
Quidnessett Country Club, (401) 884-1100
Valley Country Club, (401) 821-1115 ext. 1
Wright’s Farm Restaurant, (401) 769-2856
Country Gardens Events, (508) 336-4053
Carriage Inn and Saloon, (401) 294-8466
Hilton Providence, (401) 831-3900
Lafrance Hospitality (including White’s of Westport), (508) 675-7185
Pranzi Catering, (401) 383-3631
Cozy Caterers, (401) 351-3111
The Villa West Warwick, (401) 821-0060
Greenville Inn, (401) 949-4020
Venus de Milo, (508) 678-3901
Providence Biltmore, (401) 421-0700
LeBaron Hills Country Club, (508) 923-5700
Cucina Rustica, (401) 944-2500
300 North, (401) 932-4349
Venue’s fate unclear
As of Wednesday night, realtor Jeff Butler said the locally-known banquet hall, meeting facility and restaurant had not been sold to a new owner.
Jeff Butler, a real estate agent for Butler Realty Group, said the “Rhode Island institution and prime real estate value” was still available, despite reports of brides having their events canceled by the event venue and money refunded.
The family-style dining and takeout services were still set to operate until further notice, the inn’s owners said on Facebook Wednesday. Requests for further details from the owners were declined.
The business has operated for thirty years, hosting not only weddings but school dances, local sports fundraisers and banquets and more. Though its website still touts the inn’s event hosting services, Eyewitness News has learned the last event will be hosted Sunday, Sept. 18.
An online real estate listing showed the Blossom Street property occupies nearly twelve acres, the building is 50,000 square feet, and the asking price is $1.5 million.
“Please be discreet as this is an operating business,” the listing advised potential buyers.