On Sunday, March 17, Palmetto Venues celebrated the grand opening of its dual event space on Bloomfield Avenue across from Verona Park.
Designed to cater to a range of events, the venue offers both flexibility and privacy. The Palm Royale, with an entrance at 10 Park Place, boasts a spacious 16-foot ceiling and can accommodate approximately 110 guests. It can be a setting for wedding receptions, banquets, corporate events and other large events. The Royal Grove, situated at 546 Bloomfield Avenue, provides a more intimate setting with seating for up to 50 guests.
Established by three local businessmen, Palmetto Venues aims to provide an environment of elegance, versatility, and exceptional service. Horane Henry, one of the partners, says he is “driven by the joy of curating environments that go beyond mere spaces. They are canvases for dreams, stages for celebrations, and backdrops for memories.” Co-owner Robert Louis emphasizes that “this venture aligns perfectly with our motto, ‘where experience comes alive,’ reflecting our commitment to bring every occasion to life in a way that resonates deeply with our clients and their guests. My goal is to foster a sense of belonging and joy within our community.” Fellow co-owner Fihlo Thomas adds how he “looks forward to witnessing the creation of cherished memories at Palmetto Venues and desires the venue to become a supportive cornerstone within the Verona, New Jersey community and its surrounding areas.”
Palmetto Venues will allow licensed and insured caterers to serve pre-cooked meals, but onsite cooking is not permitted. Complimentary beer and wine can be provided for guests but a licensed and insured bartender is required when serving hard liquor. Both spaces are equipped with sound systems and accessible bathrooms. Parking is available in the Verona municipal lot directly behind the venue.
Louis, Thomas and Henry, the partners in Palmetto Venues, come the events business from diverse backgrounds. Henry is an engineer and a creative at heart who works in the media and entertainment industry as an engineering director. He is also an award-winning independent filmmaker. Louis is an administrative director in healthcare and is a fashion designer for men’s accessories in his spare time. Thomas is a real estate executive in New York City. In his free time, he volunteers for various community endeavors, including collaborations with food pantries, school drives and community events.
On Sunday, the partners were joined at the grand opening by Mayor Chris Tamburro, Deputy Mayor Jack McEvoy and Councilman Alex Roman. “You will find a welcoming community in Verona,” Tamburro said.
