Sources close confirm that Betty’s Catering Hall, Corona Avenue (94-33 Corona Ave),
has closed permanently. The decision I’m told has been imminent for some time, as rentals have
decreased, the business was losing money, and area people opted to hold festivities at basements
or other locales that charge meager fees, licensed or otherwise. The venue also faced requests
numerous times for discounts for friends and community orgs that tended to hold their gatherings
there. Since its opening in 2002 by Isabelita “Betty” Cruz, Betty’s Catering Hall graced Corona
Avenue with its unique design, reputation for quality service, and welcoming vibes. It surely will
be a repository of happy memories for anyone that organized or attended the many receptions,
parties, reunions, graduations, business, and community centered events that were held within its
doors.
The site of Betty’s has been purchased by the well known non-profit counseling agency
Neighborhood and Housing Development Services (NHS), and will be used as their new
headquarters. The structure itself will not be demoed, but heavily renovated. The aim of NHS,
whose current site is in Woodside, is to preserve and revitalize underserved neighborhoods in
Queens. Reps from the agency maintain a frequent presence tabling at community fairs,
specialized events, and speaking engagements with local elected officials.
The last event I attended at Betty’s was the highly contested City Council District 21
Forum in June. The seats were filled, the energy palpable, as four candidates set to deliver key
points of their platform, and answer Q & A. Shanel Thomas-Henry brashly touted her work at
Laguardia Airport, Elmcor and NHS, as a cry for progress. “We are one community, we come
together as one community to thrive…it’s about growing and prospering into the future,” said
Thomas-Henry, as she promised more area jobs, and a more enhanced medical center to come.
David Aiken Jr. spoke from a common sense viewpoint, his 30 yr career as an electrician in
construction, and how he now views the community, “I have never seen it this bad. Crime’s out
of control It is frightening. I want families to feel safe. I believe in order and structure.” Erycka
Montoya spouted the progressive line, “The community is underfunded, undervalued, and taken
advantage of, people should be addressed with dignity, and it’s overburdened. We need to invest
in Mental Health and Social Services. We have an affordability crisis that leads to stress in the
community.” The fourth candidate, Yanna Henriguez decided at the last minute not to attend,
which clearly affected her at the polls. Ms. Thomas-Henry was declared the Primary Day winner,
voters swayed by her energy and concrete plans to enact change.
Forums such as these, holiday events, community supported soirees, and of course, all the
family, work, and education gatherings will be sorely missed at Betty’s. The venue was one of a
kind for this area, and it’s the end of an era. We wish Betty Cruz, her family, and employees all
the best in their futures. Good wishes also extend to NHS; we hope some portions of Betty’s can
be preserved and utilized as before, but at this point renovation plans are not known.
James is the Vice President of the Newtown Civic Association, the Elmhurst Memorial League, and Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society.
