
Biagioni
DERBY — Sage Banquet Hall, home to Dan Biagioni’s Spice Catering Group, took over the former La Sala Banquet Hall within the Sons of Italy Lodge less than a year ago.
On Feb. 23, 2020, Spice Catering Group is scheduled to host its first bridal expo at the facility, which is at 73 High St.
The event is free of charge, and is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here to register.
Click here for the Spice Catering Group Facebook page.
The Valley Indy conducted an email Q&A with Biagioni about his new business, which is published below.
Valley Independent Sentinel: When did La Sala Banquet Hall at Sons of Italy become Sage Banquet Hall?
Dan Biagioni: “May 2019.”
VIS: What is the association with the Sons of Italy? Does the organization own the building and Sage rents the space?
Biagioni: “The Sons of Italy own the building. I lease from them.”
VIS: How long has Spice Catering Group been in business?
Biagioni: “Ten years as of February 2020.”
VIS: Prior to taking over the facility, Spice was based within the property, correct? How did you first arrive in Derby?
Biagioni: Spice Catering Group operated out of a commercial kitchen space in Durham for the first eight years. When the property got bought out, we needed to find a new kitchen space for their off-premise catering company. I was introduced to Lorenzo, the former operator of La Sala Banquet Hall, and worked out of their shared kitchen space for about two years before the opportunity was presented.”
VIS:Where are you from, and what town do you now call home?
Biagioni: “I’m originally from Monroe and I currently live in Oxford.”
VIS: When did you first get involved in the catering business/food service industry?
Biagioni “I started in the food and hospitality business in 2006 when I took a position as sales director for Jordan Caterers in Cheshire. I was there for four years before I opened Spice Catering Group in 2010.”
VIS: Are you a chef?
Biagioni: “I am not. My executive chef is Tim Scott. Tim went to school in France and has been the executive chef for many restaurants here in CT over the last 30 years. Most recently he was the executive chef and director of operations for Geronimo’s in New Haven and Fairfield, and Shell & Bones in New Haven.”

VIS: Since taking over the facility, what have you done to put your stamp on what happens there? What type of events have you hosted?
Biagioni: “Everything from weddings, baby and bridal showers, Quinceaneras, fundraisers, and corporate events.”
VIS: What does Spice specialize in? Catering weddings? Do you do private parties as well? The facility is available to rent?
Biagioni: “We specialize in weddings mostly, but can cater any type of event, on and off site.”
VIS: Have you made any changes to the decoration or other changes to the facility since taking over?
Biagioni: “The facility needed a good makeover. We painted all the interior walls, got some new chandeliers and also invested in some signage for the exterior of the building and by the front entrance.”