History

Steven Becker Fine Dining began in 1954 when Dan and Jeanne Becker founded Lazy Suzan, a restaurant and caterer in Clayton. As a second-generation business owner, Steven Becker took the company to the next level by focusing on the banquet business. After five successful years of developing and operating the Starlight Roof at the Chase Park Plaza, Steven Becker Fine Dining moved to the newly renovated and stunning historic Coronado.

The Coronado Hotel, built in 1926, is located at 3701 Lindell Boulevard. Designed by Preston Bradshaw, the St. Louis architect not only owned the building, but also lived there with his family until he died. The Coronado is long remembered by many St. Louisans as an elegant hotel where luminaries such as Barbara Stanwyck, Harry Truman, and Mae West stayed. Many St. Louisans met their spouses or were married here in the 1940's and 1950's. During the 1960's and 1970's, the Coronado was a St. Louis University dormitory popular with the school's law students. After being closed for many years, the Coronado reopened after a lavish renovation in 2003.

The Coronado Ballroom

The restored Coronado Ballroom features:

• A breathtaking barrel-vaulted Grand Ballroom, ornate ceiling designs painstakingly restored to original condition
• Classic terrazzo dance floor with illuminated floor tiles, one of a handful remaining in the U.S
• All new state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, pastry department and approved Kosher food preparation
• A majestic Grand Lobby with stone fireplace, intricate cast ceiling, gold leaf columns and elegant furniture
• The Bradshaw Meeting Room, with built-in projection screen and LCD projector encased in the ceiling

Your Catering Team

Your Coronado Ballroom and Meeting Facility event will be in the capable hands of the Steven Becker Fine Dining professional catering team:

Kathy Becker, Vice President, has been actively involved in managing the catering company with her husband Steven for the past 20 years while raising their three children, Jessica, Daniel, and Allison. She is responsible for marketing and advertising, as well as recruiting the best catering industry talent in St. Louis. Kathy graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelors degree in Nursing.

Rob Schaefer, Vice President of Catering and Design Development, has been planning remarkable parties for over 22 years. He is a Certified Wedding Coordinator by National Bridal Service. A graduate of Columbia College, he has worked for retail giants Switzer's, Edison Brothers, and Neiman Marcus. Rob continues to act as Corporate Designer and develop the distinctive SBFD look. He is a NACE award nominee for Best Wedding Reception in the United States. Writer, Speaker, Florist and Artist, Rob continues to teach seminars on entertaining and style throughout the Midwest.

Patrick Thirion, Executive Chef, received his Associate of Science Degree specializing in Baking and Pastry from Sullivan University in Louisville Kentucky. After three years as Pastry Chef for the Adams Mark Hotel in St. Louis, Patrick became Executive Pastry Chef of the Coronado Ballroom and was recently promoted to Executive Chef overseeing banquets, pastry, catering, and Nadoz café operations.

	Alan Sevier, Banquet and Beverage Manager, has over 18 years of formal and fine dining experience. A St. Louis native, he attended Creighton University. Alan's twelve years of military experience in the United States Army has influenced his management, logistical, and communication style.

Jaci Burgess, Catering Sales Manager, joins Steven Becker Fine Dining with experience planning events ranging from Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions to Charitable Fundraising Galas, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Corporate Seminars. After graduating from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Jaci worked for the Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield as their Event Coordinator. Jaci not only enjoys the planning process and the behind the scenes work, but especially watching the event unfold and her client's dreams come true.

With many years of experience in the catering industry, be assured that your special event will receive the utmost attention to every detail. You and your guests' enjoyment is our number one goal.