Caterers say they've seen cutbacks
SYRACUSE -- Thanksgiving is the kickoff for the holiday party season. Karen White, at Karen's Catering/Julie's Place in Syracuse, says her kitchen will get going at 5am to cook, and then deliver some 48 turkeys to various parties and gatherings in the area.
In the month ahead, there are lots of parties, but the downturn in the economy is having an effect. White says people are not being as extravagant, in either the private or the business celebrations. As for business, 'they are still entertaining, but many businesses have downsized so, numbers may be down. Or, where there were two parties, this year there's one party.'
It's a similar story at the University Sheraton, where general manager David Heymann says 'we have had cancellations and drops in numbers because of the economy.' Seminars are also a staple there, and with sessions not filling, there are cancellations or moves to smaller venues.
Both businesses say customers are looking for value. More potential customers are calling around for the best deals. Both say they pitch the value of their products.
The holiday party season ends at New Year's, and then Karen's sees lots of January house parties. And, looking ahead to wedding season, she's already seeing leaner times, with scaling back on size of the events.
