Banquet facility may open in Plaza Conference Center by Sept. 1

The owner of Ray's of Kelso restaurant in Kelso, Mo., is nearing a contract to operate the Plaza Conference Center as a full-service banquet facility.

The deal will allow Ray Ressel to lease space from Midamerica Hotels Corp., the company that owns the building. Ressel said the facility will complement his restaurant in Kelso, which began in 1964 as a pizza and steak drive-in but has since relocated and expanded its menu.

Ressel plans on hiring three employees to work at the facility, which is expected to begin operations Sept. 1. He did not have any immediate renovation plans in mind.

"The partnership with Midamerica Hotels and Ray's will be a win-win for both of us," Ressel said. "Now we will be able to offer a one-stop-shopping-type experience for banquets."

Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson said the deal will breathe life back into a facility that holds memories for so many area residents.

"The Plaza Conference Center has a rich and storied history here in Cape Girardeau," Knudtson said. "So many special weddings, Christmas parties and community events have taken place within this facility.

"So, candidly, when I learned that Dan Drury and Mid America Hotels was closing the center, I had mixed emotions," he said. "While there was obvious excitement and anticipation about the new development that it would give way to, its exodus would also serve to amplify the shortages that already exist pertaining to medium-level meeting facilities.

"So for me to learn from Ray, himself, that he has struck a deal with Midamerica Hotels to breathe life back into this grand facility was welcome news," he said. "Not only will this facility provide much-needed meeting space again, but it will be rejuvenated and reignited with a proven professional in Ray Ressel, of Ray's of Kelso fame. Anytime we can bring a little bit of Kelso to Cape Girardeau, it's a good thing."

John Mehner, president and chief executive officer of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said anytime a building is placed back into service it is a positive move for Cape Girardeau. The Plaza Conference Center has been closed since January, officials at Midamerica cited the slow economy and high operational costs as reasons for its shutdown.

"Ray has a great reputation from the food service standpoint," Mehner said. "That will mean another stellar local option for meeting space and food."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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