Woburn Small Business Spotlight: Crest View Plaza

(Photo credit: Crest View Plaza)

There’s a story behind the counters and doors of every shop and business, and often times these businesses can help shape the town of which they are a part.

Woburn Patch’s small business series is profiling local establishments and shining a light on local businesses. In this part of the series, Patch spoke with Michael C. DeRienzo, general manager of Crest View Plaza.

Business: Crest View Plaza

Address: 36 Montvale Ave., Woburn, Massachusetts

Current Owners: The DeRienzo/Valerio/Deane Families

Website: http://www.crestviewplaza.com/

When did you go into business?

“Crest View originally opened its doors December of 1978 by the Gangi Family of Woburn. They sold their business in the early 90s. In 2013 the owners at the time announced that they were thinking of closing down. I worked out a deal with them to purchase the assets in the building and between myself, parents (John and Sharon Valerio) and our business partner Mark Deane, Jr. (Executive Head Chef) we took over June 2014.”

How did you come up with the name?

“The name of Crest View Plaza began in 1978 when my family opened up. Our (Gangi) Family Crest hangs outside the building and in the downstairs lobby. In the 90s when the new owners took over they changed the name to The Crestview Meeting and Banquet Facility. When our families came back in June of 2014 we decided to go back to the original name that hangs outside our building of Crest View Plaza for 37 years.”

Why start a business here?

“My family has owned and operated the Woburn Bowladrome for 75 years, and now it is an honor to have Crest View back within some of the ’Gangi Family’ (My mother, Sharon and my siblings).”

What business are you in?

“We are a banquet facility.”

What was the motivation to start this business?

“When we heard The Crestview was going to be closing we couldn’t let that happen. There is too much history in this building. It was a big part of my family’s original legacy we couldn’t let it just shut! It has done a lot of great things for a lot of great people. I worked and ran a Camp-Resort in Northern (New Hampshire) for 12 years, and customer service is my strong point. I love making others happy and will go to any length to do so.”

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

“The biggest challenge we have faced since taking over was the aftermath of the transition. Rumors got around very fast that Crest View was closed. Although, we didn’t buy the previous owners actual business, just the assets, Crest View was never ’closing down completely’ we were changing ownership at the Montvale Ave location. There was a lot of print in the media, outside the building and online that the Crestview was closing and vacating the premises. It took a lot of time, effort and money to get around that the banquet hall was remaining open. We put in countless hours to make sure each and every event is as successful as possible. When a guest leaves here, they will leave feeling that they are not just a guest, but a member of our Crest View Family. We take pride in what we do. One other challenge was obtaining a Full Liquor License. That also took a lot of time, and effort. With a lot of assistance from many people, we were able to get one March of 2015! I must say though, each ’road block’ that has been put in front of me, and each one of us in the business we have managed to get around and keep moving forward in a much more positive direction!

What’s been your favorite moment/proudest achievement since opening?

“The team we have developed. Some have been here for a long time, some are new. Our Head Chef, and business partner Mark does amazing things in the kitchen. My sister-in-law and Assistant Dana Valerio is a huge asset to our success each and every day. She helps keep things running smooth and organized with me. Every event we do just leads to one, two, three, et cetera, more events! I don’t have one set ‘favorite‘ moment. Honestly, my proudest achievement I must say since opening is standing back in the room, watching the guests smile, dance, and have a great time. When a host and their leave giving us hugs, we know we are doing something right!“

How does your business give back/get involved in the community?

“We haven’t been able to afford much, but do what we can. We worked very hard this past year with Woburn’s Relay For Life hosting a lot of their socials, and events, as well as their monthly meetings at no cost to them. Several teams hosted their fundraisers here to raise money for Relay and we gave it to them at cost, or a little above. We host the Woburn Educational Foundation fundraiser each October, along with Woburn Council of Social Concern annual fundraiser. We just agreed to host Woburn’s Fire Department Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser this September, along with other (miscellaneous) donations throughout the year. Where we can, we will help!”

Do you have a business, or know of one, that deserves the spotlight? Email Nicholas Cardoso at nicholas.cardoso@patch.com.