Catering to the palates and budgets of the business community, Churchills has introduced a fine-dining experience for conferences and meetings, without an extravagant price tag.
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Building on its reputation as a fine-dining establishment over the past 18 years, Churchills in North Bay has entered a new era in service delivery.
Extensive renovations to the establishment were carried out in September 2002 "to create an environment that would accommodate the needs of the business community," says Jimmy Kolios, owner.
Churchills now boasts seven unique meeting facilities that can accommodate small meetings of up to 10 people to larger crowds of 150.
Meeting rooms have been designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet the technological needs of any event. Conference and meeting organizers can take full advantage of available technologies, such as videoconferencing, computer and Internet hookups, a 10-foot-screen television with computer links and a projector.
Churchills can also offer the services of a technical support person who will test equipment prior to the event to ensure technological glitches do not interupt the event.
"We wanted to get into this level for business because we felt we had a good background as a fine-dining establishment with good food, excellent service and a good reputation," Kolios says.
There is often a misconception that fine-dining at a meeting or a large-scale event is only for the deep-pocketed business owner, but such is not the case at Churchills, he explains.
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Kolios says in launching the business and event catering division he recognized prices had to remain affordable in order to meet the needs of the business clientele.
Today's conference attendee is looking for an experience beyond what is traditionally offered at an event, and Churchills can deliver just that, while keeping prices competitive, he adds.
"We have the large windows with the lake view and the ambiance that takes away from the monotony of meeting rooms," Kolios says.
The ambiance has captured the interest of wedding planners, and now, nearly 50 per cent of weddings booked at Churchills are actually holding the wedding ceremony within the reception area, and Churchills is already booking for 2004 weddings, Kolios says.
Churchills, which was rated as one of the top 57 restaurants in Canada by Where to Eat in Canada, also gained recognition last year as the 2002 Golden Glass Award winner for Northern Ontario. The award, sponsored by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, recognizes establishments that provide good food, good service and good wine.
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Flexibility in menu planning and pricing makes Churchills a convenient and affordable choice, even for businesses in a budget crunch.
A special events co-ordinator is available to provide personalized service and ensure even the finest details of an event are looked after.
"People who are putting meetings together don't always know what they want," Kolios says. "It's very important to assure them they're being looked after. Sometimes they don't know what questions to ask, and through a conversation we are able to find out what they want."
Churchills also provides catering outside of the establishment.
"We do a lot of catering outside of the restaurant when people want to hold a meeting at their own place of business," Kolios says.
For time-challenged meetings, Churchills is able to maintain a high level of service, and bring the fine-dining experience to the meeting, even under time constraints.
As an example, Kolios explains that pharmaceutical events are held at Churchills on a regular basis and the event typically needs to be wrapped up in two hours, including the meal, presentations and a guest speaker.
"We are excited about catering to the business community," Kolios says. As their slogan states "after 18 years, we are open for business."
Chef's Room
This room accommodates up to 10 people and offers an intimate and private setting for all your business needs.
Sun Room
This open and bright area overlooks Lake Nipissing and has a large cherrywood table. The Sun Room accommodates up to 20 people and is ideal for formal meetings or celebrations.
Mantle Room
This room accommodates up to 50 people and features a beautiful fireplace and access to a private bar.
Wine Cellar
This incredibly beautiful room accommodates up to 12 people and features a unique setting that boasts over 100 wines, as well as an old style harvest table and seating.
Patio Room
This room accommodates up to 30 people and overlooks Lake Nipissing. Its festive yet formal atmosphere makes it appealing for any event.
Sunset Room
Accommodating up to 100 people, the Sunset Room offers a view of Lake Nipissing and access to a private bar, and is a perfect choice for larger functions.
The Loft
This room combines both the Mantle Room and the Sunset Room and provides an exclusive and large setting for any and all of your business celebrations.
Churchills is located at
631 Lakeshore Dr. in North Bay.
705-476-7777
e-mail: events@churchills.ca
