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Summary:
- Lakemont Park Casino, closed in July after chef Doug Simon retired, will reopen with approved catering partners.
- Preferred names include Alto Markets, Mama Randazzo’s, and Mayfield, with flexible food options for events.
- The Casino can host weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings, with three rooms of varying sizes.
The Casino at Lakemont Park, Pennsylvania is getting ready to welcome guests again, after closing its doors in July. The reopening is made possible through a new arrangement between park management and a group of local catering partners, who will handle food service for future events.
The venue, which shut down after longtime chef Doug Simon’s retirement, had struggled financially. Simon had taken on significant debt to renovate the space he leased from the Lakemont Partnership, which manages the property under a long-term lease with Blair County.
According to Lakemont Partnership President Andrea Cohen, reopening The Casino was always part of the plan.
The goal has been to keep The Casino building used and enjoyed by the community
When it reopens, the space will once again host weddings, company functions, private gatherings, and community events. Park management said it’s already taking bookings for the holiday season and beyond.
Hand-Picked Caterers to Choose From
The park has selected several “preferred caterers” to serve events at the venue: Travis and Marilyn Seymore of Alto Markets, Paul Randazzo of Mama Randazzo’s, and Maddy Martinsen of Mayfield.
Cohen said these partners were chosen “for their professionalism, creativity, and ability to deliver outstanding service across a wide range of event styles”.
Event organizers can choose from this list of approved caterers or propose another one for approval. Guests are technically allowed to bring their own prepared food, but Cohen said hiring a caterer is strongly encouraged.
Their staff can assist with food service, providing a good experience for all
For those looking to book an event, the process is straightforward. A prospective host reserves a date with The Casino, then reaches out to a preferred caterer to coordinate the menu.
Travis Seymore of Alto Markets explained,
The prospective host pays The Casino for the venue and pays the caterer for its services, but the caterer doesn’t pay The Casino
If a particular caterer can’t accommodate a specific type of meal, they can refer the host to another vendor. The arrangement can also work the other way around, caterers can recommend The Casino as a venue to clients still looking for a location.
The Casino features three event rooms of varying sizes, giving flexibility for small or large gatherings. Park general manager Christi Draves is overseeing the reopening, ensuring the historic venue is ready to serve the community once again.
