The owners of the Express Italian Eatery have breathed new life into Galileo's Garden Banquet Centre at 1223 Hwy. 8.

Sunny Kumar and chefs Sonam Benedetti and Santino Petrone are the co-owners of the newly renovated facility, which reopened to the public in January. The banquet centre previously sat empty for more than four years.

Interior and exterior renovations were completed over an eight-month period, including sound systems and projectors for corporate event presentations.

Kumar, who operates three Express restaurants in Stoney Creek, Burlington and west Hamilton, noticed a need for an events venue capable of hosting larger functions.

"We've had a lot of requests for parties, weddings and special events that we couldn't handle in the restaurants," Kumar noted.

Bookings have been brisk since the banquet centre reopened.

Galileo's Garden has three halls, including the Stoney Creek ballroom, with seating for 350; the Burlington Ballroom that seats 150; plus the Westdale Ballroom, suitable for 50 guests.

Menu options feature traditional Italian cuisine. Patrons can choose a set menu for their event or rent the hall on its own and arrange their own catering.

The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce held its economic review luncheon recently at Galileo's Garden.

Chamber president Ralph Vitello said the business promises to be a great addition to the community.

"We have a lot of businesses that are leaders in our community," he noted. "Just look at what Sunny has done here at Galileo's Garden."