The Venue in downtown Peterborough is celebrating five years of family ownership by local event and catering professionals Kevin and April Sendel.
The couple marked the milestone Tuesday evening (October 13) with a celebration at the 286 George Street North event space that was attended by Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal, members of the business community, local organizations, clients, friends, and supporters. Several candidates in Peterborough’s October 26 municipal election also attended the celebration.
The mayor presented the Sendels with a certificate from the city recognizing the anniversary, with representatives from Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce also presenting the couple with a certificate of recognition.
Bringing years of experience in catering and event management through their ownership of Personal Touch Catering and the now-closed Personal Touch Banquet Hall, the Sendels purchased The Venue in 2021 from Michael and Catia Skinner.
The Skinners had purchased the downtown building in 2006, when it operated as The Vibe nightclub, before completing a $1-million renovation and reopening it as The Venue in 2010.
When the sale to the Sendels was announced, Michael Skinner said he and Catia were pleased the business would remain in experienced local hands.
“Catia and I could not be happier that The Venue’s new owners are not only highly experienced event and catering professionals, but they are locally based with an intimate understanding of what makes Peterborough’s people and organizations so special,” Skinner said at the time.
The Sendels took ownership while the events industry was still facing considerable uncertainty and financial pressures because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns.
Despite the challenges, the Sendels persevered. Over the following five years, The Venue has continued to host weddings, corporate functions, fundraisers, galas, concerts, celebrations of life, and community gatherings.
“Reaching five years is a significant milestone for any business,” said The Venue general manager Tiffany Daskewich in a media release. “The support Kevin and April have received from the Peterborough community has been incredible, and it was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate their success.”
Daskewich said the business is looking ahead to continuing its role as a downtown gathering place.
“We are excited for what the future holds and look forward to continuing to host memorable events for our community.”
Tuesday’s anniversary celebration featured décor by Stacey of Practically Perfect Events, The Venue’s in-house decorator, with event photography by Joshua Gillis.
The Sendels thanked the clients, partners, employees, friends, and community members who have supported The Venue since they took ownership.
More information about The Venue, including upcoming events, is available at venueptbo.ca.
