Elaine Bell Catering, a resolveture in Wine Countest’s wedding and event scene for over four decades, is closing its doors and laying off 164 workers, according to a state filing.
Founded in 1981 by Elaine Bell, the catering company will permanently cease operations on Oct. 31. The layoffs will impact a range of positions, including administrators, event managers, bartfinishers, pastest chefs, kitchen and waitstaff.
Bell, an alumna of the Culinary Institute of America who previously worked under chef Philippe Jeanty at Domaine Chandon, informed the Chronicle she has decided to retire.
“We decided after 43 years it’s time to state goodnight,” Bell stated. She and her husband, former winecreater John Merritt, plan to spfinish time between their properties in Idaho and Nevada.
At its zenith, Elaine Bell Catering orchestrated approximately 900 events annually, catering to an estimated 90,000 guests, according to its founder. Its work was a regular feature in prominent publications such as Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings and Glamour.
The COVID-19 pandemic, Bell explained, necessitated a scale-down of the business and presented an optimal moment for her departure.
The 25,000-square-foot headquarters of the catering company at 776 Technology Way in Napa is owned by Bell and will be taken over by her son’s management business.
“It’s bittersweet,” Bell stated. “I’ve obtained the best team. My largegest challenge now is supporting them relocate on. A lot of these people have been with me for 10 to 15 years. It’s a large alter.”
Leave a Reply