By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A long-abandoned downtown building has been transformed into a new event center in the heart of Hays.
Cassidy Sowers, general manager of Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing, said the space is designed to meet the demand for a larger venue downtown.
"It was technically a historical building, so we couldn't completely redo it," Sowers said. "We kind of brought old history back to life and added some modern touches to it."
The venue, 121 E. 11th St., was created from a vacant building next to the diner, which Sowers said now includes a state-of-the-art catering kitchen, bar and other amenities.
The room includes a projector and can hold up to 126 people with seating for 92, accommodating events such as business meetings, Christmas parties, small weddings, wedding receptions and celebrations of life.
Renovations began more than a year ago. Sowers said it is now available for booking, with reservations taken at 785-621-2739.
The Chamber in Hays will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for the event center at 3 p.m. Sept. 4.
"We're eager to get this place going," Sowers said.
Sowers said culinary students from Fort Hays Tech North Central are already using the kitchen for classes conducted Mondays through Wednesdays.
In addition to the new space next door, Gella’s has renovated a smaller banquet room called The Nook to host smaller gatherings when the larger room is booked.
The Nook features a modern design with a TV and plug-ins for work meetings or small parties, and seating for up to 36 guests. Sowers said the smaller room can be reserved but is also available for everyday diners.
"I just want to get people in here. I want them to see it because it's a drastic change. It's a night-and-day difference," Sowers said.
The kitchen in the larger event venue will handle catering for off-site events, with a new menu to be introduced. Sowers said everything was made possible by the team she is a part of.
You can visit the diner's website here and follow them on Facebook.
