Triangle Catering Shows How Small Businesses are Thriving and Expanding in the Triangle

Durham, NC, November 02, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Brides to be and local event planners now have two new venues in the Triangle where they can host weddings and other memorable events. The two all-inclusive venues, Belt Line Station, in Durham, and Cardinal Hall in Raleigh, are the latest ventures by Dodd and Michelle Aldred, owners and founders of Triangle Catering. After opening The Cotton Room in October 2009, Dodd and Michelle quickly realized the need for more inclusive and alternative event venues in the Triangle, and it wasn’t long before the perfect opportunities presented themselves.

Belt Line Station is touted as a new event space for sensational events. Just steps away from The Cotton Room, it is located in the historic, brick N&W Belt Line depot at the Cordoba Center for the Arts. The depot has a history dating back more than 100 years in Durham. The tracks that run alongside the depot were first used by the Lynchburg & Durham Railroad company, which was formed in 1887. Three years later, the tracks were completed and spanned nearly 42 miles in North Carolina. The freight depot served as a loading dock for Bull Durham and Duke’s Mixture tobacco products, first sold in signature pouches and later as pre-rolled cigarettes. Shipments also included finished bags designed to hold flour, cornmeal, salt, and other household consumables, as well as hosiery for men, women and children produced by the Golden Belt Hosiery Company.

Also taking a page from history is the new Raleigh venue, Cardinal Hall. The Lead Mine Road address may ring familiar to Raleigh natives as the Wake County Shrine Club. The Shriners have a long standing history in Raleigh, and recently sought out the distinctive creative direction of Triangle Catering to revive the once thriving event space. Now featuring elegant crystal chandeliers, stylish décor, and innovative catering, Cardinal Hall is positioned to be a premiere venue in the state’s capital city.

The two new venues not only signal expansion, but also attest to the number of small businesses thriving in the Triangle. When she opened The Cotton Room three years ago on Durham’s struggling East side, Michelle Aldred got to witness firsthand how keeping business local and loyal to the neighboring communities can have a huge impact. “The residents of the Triangle have embraced us with open arms from the very beginning – back when we were a Personal Chef company, and when we opened The Cotton Room. They believe in us and we are thankful and dedicated to them. We are beyond excited to be a part of Durham’s continued growth and revitalization, and to have the opportunity to expand in Raleigh just brings everything full circle for us,” said Aldred.

Michelle Aldred will over-see daily operations and event management at both Cardinal Hall and Belt Line Station, while Executive Chef-owner, Dodd Aldred will continue to be at the helm of all menu design. Cardinal Hall is currently open and hosting events, while Belt Line Station is scheduled to open in March 2013.

About Triangle Catering
Triangle Catering launched its business as personal chefs in 1996 and has consistently grown and expanded to include full service catering, design and décor services, and all-inclusive event venue management. The off-premise catering division services up to 5,000, while three inclusive venues operate under the Triangle Catering name: The Cotton Room, Belt Line Station, and Cardinal Hall. Triangle Catering focuses on innovative Southern cuisine and using local North Carolina produce and meats. Owners Michelle and Dodd Aldred have been recognized regionally and nationally for their ongoing support and contributions to the local economy and attribute their success to maintaining a family dynamic through growth and expansion. For more information, connect online at http://www.trianglecatering.com