DICKSON CITY — About three years after a popular banquet venue closed, a new group plans to reopen the space as a place to create more memorable moments.
Genetti Manor closed at the end of June 2022 after hosting weddings, fights, proms and other events for four decades.
At the time, Gus Genetti, owner of the Genetti Hospitality Group, cited the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, his age (83) and a shift in ceremony preferences for the decision to close.
Genetti estimates millions of people visited the facility on Main Street over four decades while many others learned valuable employment skills there.
D.C. Limited sold the 6-acre property to Olyphant-based Valley Venue LLC for $1.7 million, according to a deed recorded May 17 in Lackawanna County.
Now, Manor on Main officials aim to bring new life to the facility as they plan to open in June or July.
Before serving as a place for special events, the site housed the former Giant Market, which closed in December 1980 after more than 20 years of operation.
In April 1981, Genetti announced he and three business partners invested $1.75 million to convert the former grocery store into a banquet facility that would be called Genetti Manor. It officially opened April 17, 1982.
From 1984 until 2022, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County dinner was held at Genetti Manor and the first boxing bout was contested there in 1992.
Longtime boxing promoter Doug Long of Long Productions estimated he put on about 150 shows at the facility over 30 years, many featuring local fighters like Marty Flynn — now a state senator — and Chris Mills. Long also brought in heavyweight champions like Larry Holmes to sign autographs.
“It’s a great location and there is an array of history there,” Long said. “You have to go back to … when there were four split ballrooms and there weren’t the outdoor events like weddings now. In those days, you’d have several thousand people in the building. A lot of generations of families (celebrated) births, weddings and anniversaries there. I did some big events there, not only inside the building but outside. I was the ‘event guy’ at Genetti’s. I took that place to new heights with sold-out shows.”
Amid rumblings of different potential uses for the space, Long is glad the facility will remain an event venue.
“I heard it was going to be maybe a car wash, or torn down, so for them to keep it open and keep it going I think is a really positive move for our area,” he said.
Long later found success hosting boxing events at the Holiday Inn in Dunmore, but would be open to a return to Dickson City.
“I would certainly be interested in bringing boxing back there, and I know they would welcome me back,” he said.
New Manor on Main signage on the property at 1505 Main St. in Dickson City – the former location of Genetti Manor. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Renovations have been made to the exterior of the former Genetti Manor property on Main Street in Dickson City. A new venue – Manor of Main – will open at the location. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Genetti Manor in Dickson City is shown in April 2022. The event space close its doors at the end of June 2022. (TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO)
The Manor on Main website describes the family-owned facility as a timeless venue for weddings, celebrations and meaningful, unforgettable moments offering personalized attention, flexible packages, and genuine hospitality with elegance in every detail.
Dickson City borough Manager Cesare Forconi noted Manor on Main officials received zoning approval last week to install new signs at the property and he’s optimistic the venue will serve as a valuable spot for gatherings for years to come.
“We have our (borough’s) 150th anniversary this year and hopefully we’ll be able to do an event there, if possible,” he said. “It’s good for the local people who want to have a wedding or sports banquet. It’s located right in the middle of our town and we think it’s great that somebody decided they were going to go in there and make it work again. They’re doing a great job on the outside from what we can see … we’re looking forward to it opening.”