Wayne Enterprises Chicago: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

Robin Banqueton
Jan 8
3 min read

As we step into 2025, we take a moment to reflect on an incredible year of growth, collaboration, and memorable events across Wayne Enterprises Chicago and our family of companies – Eleganté Cuisine, Metropolis Ballroom, Corky’s Catering, and Cafe Eleganté.

2024 was a year of milestones, and we are excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead.

A Groovy Start – 70s Disco Holiday Party

We kicked off 2024 with a holiday celebration straight out of the disco era. The theme? 70s glamour. It was an evening of team games, prize giveaways, and a costume contest that brought out more sequins and bell-bottoms than anyone thought still existed.

Seeing our employees, along with their families, come together reminded us that success isn’t just about numbers – it’s about community. And nothing strengthens community like dancing to Stayin' Alive with your colleagues.

A decorated event space with string lights and draped fabric, filled with guests dressed in 70s-themed costumes, dancing and mingling at Wayne Enterprises Chicago's 70s Disco Holiday Party.

Spring Traditions – Easter and Mother’s Day at Metropolis Ballroom

As winter thawed into spring, Metropolis Ballroom opened its doors for two cherished annual events – Easter Brunch and Mother’s Day Brunch.

Easter brought with it the excitement of families gathering, a carefully crafted menu, and of course, a certain fluffy guest of honor. The Easter Bunny made his rounds, posing for photos and creating memories.

Mother’s Day was equally special. It’s no secret that moms deserve to be celebrated in style, and we did just that. Guests enjoyed complimentary champagne, delicious cuisine, and a few thoughtful surprises throughout the day.

If there’s one thing we’ll continue into 2025, it’s the tradition of ensuring mothers leave feeling appreciated – and a little more bubbly than when they arrived.

👉 Reservations for Easter and Mother’s Day 2025 are already open. Secure your spot early!

A seafood display featuring shrimp, oysters, grilled lemons, parsley, and bottles of Tabasco, set up for the Mother’s Day Brunch at Metropolis Ballroom.

Building for the Future – New Offices and Kitchens

Summer brought with it more than just sunshine – it marked the grand opening of our new offices and kitchens, a project that brought Corky’s, Elegante, and Metropolis Ballroom together under one roof for the first time.

The grand opening wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It felt more like a reunion – familiar faces, long-time clients, and partners who have been with us for years.

As guests mingled, they enjoyed custom cocktails inspired by each company, while the soft sound of a harpist filled the lobby (because what’s an elegant event without a harp?).

Adding to the significance of the evening was a speech by Mayor Thomas Hayes of Arlington Heights, who has long been a supporter and friend of Wayne Enterprises Chicago. The evening was a reminder of how far we’ve come – and how exciting the road ahead looks.

Wayne Enterprises Chicago leadership, alongside Mayor Thomas Hayes, cutting a ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of the new offices and kitchens in Arlington Heights. — Photo by: John Foley

Festival Season – Harmony Fest Highlights

By Fall, we were ready to take to the streets – literally.

Harmony Fest in downtown Arlington Heights gave us the perfect opportunity to engage with the community, serving up some of our best-loved dishes. If you stopped by our booth, you may have tried our Duck Fat Fries, Faux Pulled Pork Sliders, or our seasonal Pumpkin Cannoli (because Fall isn’t Fall without pumpkin in some form).

The festival atmosphere was vibrant, the music was lively, and our spot near the stage meant guests could enjoy a plate of food while taking in the local talent. It was a weekend that reminded us of the joy that comes from connecting through food, music, and shared experiences.

A table displaying festival food offerings, including fries, meat skewers, sliders, and appetizers, served at Wayne Enterprises Chicago's booth during Harmony Fest in Arlington Heights.

Bringing the Spirit to Work – Halloween at Wayne Enterprises

Internally, we kept the festive energy going with our employee Halloween party. These moments – when costumes replace business attire and spooky cocktails take center stage – are invaluable.

They remind us that behind every successful event is a team that knows how to celebrate each other. The night was filled with laughter, games, and just enough eerie ambiance to keep things interesting.

Wayne Enterprises Chicago employees dressed in various Halloween costumes posing outside Elegante Cuisine’s building during the company’s Halloween celebration.

A New Chapter – Café Elegante Opens Its Doors

As the year wound down, we were thrilled to launch a new venture – Café Elegante at the Hamilton Partners Itasca Business Park.

Designed with busy professionals in mind, the café offers a variety of grab-and-go meals, take-home dinner options, and carefully curated snacks and beverages.

Café Elegante has already made a name for itself, providing fresh, high-quality food to those navigating the demands of a full workday. We look forward to expanding this concept and deepening our roots in the Itasca community in the year ahead.

A grid-style image showcasing four plated dishes from Café Elegante, including a slice of cheesecake with whipped cream, roasted chicken, Caesar salad with grilled chicken, and a bowl of tomato soup. Each dish highlights the fresh, high-quality offerings available at Café Elegante in Hamilton Partners Itasca Business Park.

Looking to 2025

Reflecting on 2024, we are grateful – for the growth we experienced, the events we hosted, and most importantly, the people who made it all possible. As we move into 2025, we do so with excitement and anticipation, knowing that the best is yet to come.

To our employees, clients, and community – thank you. We look forward to creating even more unforgettable moments together in the coming year.

Plan 2025 With Us!