BEST BUSINESS EVENT VENUE
S ALLY TOMATOES
“We are truly grateful for [NorthBay biz readers’] support of our small family business, and we enjoy using our event center as an opportunity to serve our community.” —Gerard Guidice, founder
By Alexandra Russell
T he host location for the Best of the North Bay awards has, fittingly, been voted Best Business Event Venue in the NorthBay biz 2024 readers’ poll. Centrally located in Rohnert Park, off Petaluma Hill Road between Penngrove and Sonoma State University, Sally Tomatoes was founded 18 years ago by Gerard Guidice and Bill Pettibone, who each brought restaurant experience to the business, enriched by diverse backgrounds. “A blend of Gerard’s community-oriented leadership and Bill’s operational expertise has formed the cornerstone of their successful partnership,” says Sales and Marketing Director Leonardo Garcia. “With shared values of family, community and celebration at its core, Sally Tomatoes was envisioned as a place that transcends the traditional restaurant model. Gerard and Bill aimed to create a space that not only offered exceptional food but
The event venue started out as a deli and has since grown to a 20,000-square-foot event space.
and an open, airy 1-acre space with a 1,200-square-foot custom designed stage. Versatile event spaces are suitable for various types of events, including small gatherings, corporate events, celebrations of life, parties, weddings and larger-scale events such as concerts and festivals. “Our comprehensive services extend beyond just providing space,” says Garcia. “We actively assist clients throughout the planning process to ensure their events run smoothly. Our offerings include dedicated service staff to manage the events and customizable catering services to suit every occasion.” In 2011, Sally Tomatoes earned a Best Practices Award from Business Environmental Alliance of Sonoma County. “We are truly grateful for [ NorthBay biz readers’] support of our small family business, and we enjoy using our event center as an opportunity to serve our community,” says Guidice. “We are thrilled to receive this award, a recognition that highlights our dedication to creating spaces where memories are made. This honor reflects our vision to offer not just a venue, but an experience that captivates and delights,” adds Garcia. “We are thrilled to receive this award, a recognition that highlights our dedication to creating spaces where memories are made.” v
also played a pivotal role in life’s significant moments and contributed to the community’s well-being,” Garcia continues. “The growth of Sally Tomatoes from a modest deli to a beloved 20,000-square-foot event center stands as a testament to their vision, showcasing the importance of quality, affordability and deep community ties.” Sally Tomatoes has become a fixture in Sonoma County, hosting “every permutation of public assembly from weddings to concerts, private parties, symposiums and charity events,” says Guidice. This includes about 300 on-property business events annually, ranging from small, single-company mixers to various industry-wide symposiums featuring multiple seminar and meeting rooms, catered meals and exhibition space. The property includes five separate spaces, which can be rented alone or in combination, to fit most needs. Indoor capacity is 900; outdoor capacity (using all available spaces) is 3,000. For business gatherings, the 5,800-square-foot Plaza Room seats 400 people comfortably for dinner service. The Boardroom is a 1,650-square-foot private indoor meeting room that seats 120 people, making it a fit for smaller conferences and workshops. A 140-person capacity Fireside Room is also available with catering and a bar. Outdoor spaces include a scenic 1-acre redwood grove
sallytomatoes.com
Best of the North Bay 2024
Northbaybiz 73
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