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While the COVID-19 lockdown spelled disaster for many restaurants and banquet halls, Trevor Zachary, General-Manger and Director of Hospitality at the Marconi Cultural Event Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, viewed the shutdown as an opportunity to focus on renewal.
Over the past 17 months, The Marconi has been creating a more inviting space; one that the entire community can enjoy.
The Marconi began more than 100 years ago as a not-for-profit organization with the goal of nurturing the Italian culture; a place where residents of Italian heritage could gather to socialize and share a meal.
From the catering, to the take-out service, to the dining room there is still an appetite for authentic Italian cuisine. But visitors will notice some changes as well.
Walk through the 42 thousand square feet of business, dining, event and entertainment space and guests will be pleasantly surprised by the refreshed and modernized new look and feel. Trevor Zachary said, “I grew up in this city and The Marconi was the centre of the entertainment district. You went to The Marconi for sports banquets and high school events and numerous other social occasions.”
With restrictions gradually being lifted, The Marconi is starting to book events in its large banquet facilities and corporate meeting rooms once again.
Head downstairs and you’ll see a lot of activity. Members of The Marconi, as well as the general public are invited to play in the newly renovated and brightly coloured Rollers Bocce courts. The Fogolar Room will be taking on a brand-new look and other tenants could also be moving into the Venue by the end of the year providing lots of business and activity.
The new restaurant called Tempo is the centrepiece of the event centre and it’s already creating a buzz in the community. The menu, prepared by Chef Brennan Cumming features sharable tapas items from baked brie in brioche to seared Algoma whitefish. Zachary said, “Cumming does a beautiful job on presentation. I’ve never seen anything like it in Sault Ste. Marie. The reservation list is filling up fast.”
Zachary credits staff, including kitchen Chef Sam Hirst for building The Marconi’s reputation as a place that offers great service and delicious food.
Moreover, they strictly adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols. “People want reassurance that they are going to be safe when they come into a restaurant and other venues.”
The well-being of their guests and giving back to the community is important to The Marconi. They support the United Way by donating 15% of proceeds through their “Pizza for Possibilities” promotion and other charitable campaigns.
The Marconi Cultural Event Centre began as a gathering place to connect and socialize. More than a century later its mission remains the same, but on a more modern and grander scale. From sharing a meal with friends to attending a business meeting to celebrating a milestone event, The Marconi will once again become Sault Ste. Marie’s Entertainment and Convention Centre.
If you would like to book an event or simply a dinner reservation at The Marconi Cultural Event Centre, please visit www.themarconi.ca.