Historic family-owned landmark honors its past, revels in the present, and looks to the future as it commemorates its golden anniversary on Wednesday, September 22
Swansea, MA – September 22, 2010 – The acclaimed Venus de Milo in Swansea, MA, is commemorating its 50th Anniversary, and the celebration will involve a lavish dinner, featuring a number of new and innovative delights that may soon appear on its regular menu, as well as music and cocktails throughout the evening.
Beginning with the company’s founding father, Monsour Ferris, who was a native of the Ocean State, Venus de Milo’s commitment and dedication to the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are evident through its enduring relationships and contracts with local area vendors. Over a million lobsters have been served at the Venus de Milo, and every single one was purchased from Newport, RI. Along with being a long-standing member of the Providence Chamber of Commerce, Venus de Milo is also a member of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Furthermore, Venus de Milo also contributes to an array of charitable initiatives, including educational and humanitarian efforts, through donations and support of non-profit and philanthropic organizations.
“We are very excited to be celebrating 50 years of service and hospitality in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” said Monte Ferris, President of Venus de Milo, adding, “We have so many people to thank for helping us reach this milestone, including our dedicated employees, loving family and friends, and partners of the South Coast communities.”
Founded in 1959 by Monsour Ferris, Venus de Milo has withstood the test of time, transforming itself from a bowling alley into a multi-faceted banquet facility and restaurant hosting hundreds of family gatherings, weddings, and corporate events each year. The beloved venue is recognized for its quality of service and food, including its award-winning New England Clam Chowder, Minestrone Soup, Delmonico Potatoes, and Baked Stuffed Lobsters – touted as the “best baked stuffed lobster in Southern New England” by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.
Venus de Milo originally received its name from Janice George, a lifelong friend of the founder, who penned the name to reflect the beauty and spirit of the Greek goddess of love. Monsour, a devoted husband, father, and community leader, was active in civic, educational, and charitable projects locally and nationally, which includes the American Lebanese Society and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. In 1979, he was awarded the Roger Valcourt Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award; and in 1989, he was honored by Pope John Paul II for his dedication and service to the Catholic Church.
Under his guidance, Venus de Milo grew to become one of the largest family-owned independent restaurants in the United States with six banquet rooms, including the 17,000-square-foot Athena Ballroom capable of seating up to 1,500 people. In addition, the Venus de Milo Restaurant expanded to offer daily fine dining with a seating capacity of 300 patrons.
Later, Monsour passed the torch to his sons Ronald and Monte, who brought new fame to Venus de Milo, including top honors at the renowned Newport Chowder Cook-Offs and Boston Harbor Chowder Fests. In 1987, Dunn & Bradstreet rated Venus de Milo to be among the top ten restaurants for sales in New England, earning $7 million in revenue.
Ronald was credited for the expansion and enhancement of Venus de Milo and its wide array of menu options. Both Ronald and Monte also furthered their father’s commitment to community involvement. Ronald was regarded as the founder and first President of the Fall River re-Creation Program, as well as being recognized for his involvement in various other community development and altruistic endeavors. And in 1997, Monte Ferris followed in his father’s footsteps by being named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, marking the first father-and-son team to be recognized with this prestigious award.
Today, Venus de Milo is moving forward under his leadership and the support of the third generation Ferris family members, including Monte Ferris Jr., Marissa Ferris, Jon Ferris, Michael Ferris, and Lauren Ferris, who are all working to further the vision of Venus de Milo. This includes the renovation of the banquet facilities and restaurant and creating new, innovative food concepts for an expanded banquet menu and restaurant offering.
About Venus de Milo
Celebrating 50 years of award-winning cuisine and outstanding service at an unmatched value, Venus de Milo Restaurant and Banquet Facility offers a full-service dining room, private banquet rooms, conference facilities, and specialty take-out daily with ample free parking. For five decades, the Ferris family has enjoyed a reputation of excellence in hospitality. Conveniently located in Swansea, MA, it is less than 15 minutes away from Providence and the South Coast communities of RI and MA.
