Waukon native Trystan Riley assumes ownership of Waukon Banquet Center
First Dollar visit for new owner of Waukon Banquet Center ... Waukon Banquet Center, newly owned at its 612 Rossville Road location in Waukon, recently received a First Dollar visit under its new ownership from the Waukon Chamber of Commerce. Pictured above at that First Dollar visit are, left to right, Waukon Banquet Center new owner Trystan Riley, his puppy Boog, and Waukon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laurie Adrian. Photo courtesy of the Waukon Chamber of Commerce.
Sharing in the excitement and joy of big events, along with a little bit of familiarity, have brought Waukon native Trystan Riley to ownership of the long-established Waukon Banquet Center. The location of many celebrated events over the years, Riley took over ownership of the facility June 2 of this year from previous owners, Mike and Audrey Peterson, and is looking forward to making his own mark with it.
“I’ve bartended for years, and I like the idea of owning my own place,” Riley said of his new venture. “I had worked at Waukon Banquet Center previously for a few years, and I really enjoyed it. I like the events, and the environment, and I’ve always liked living in this area.”
With its long-established legacy of being a place where big events are celebrated, Riley feels the sky is the limit with what can be done at the facility. His willingness to work with anyone wishing to use the facility may also be as wide open as its floor plan.
“The size of the place offers endless possibilities to transform it into anything,” he said. “I’m willing to work with anybody to do anything. I’m very open to working with people or groups on how we can help with any kind of event.”
It’s that freedom to make his own establishment whatever he wants that Riley lists as one of the most rewarding aspects of running his own business. He also enjoys working with people on creating their own vision for the space his facility offers.
“Weddings are great, helping the bride and groom work through part of the most important day for them,” he said. “I’ve already gotten some really nice thank you cards from people who have held their celebrations here.”
Riley was born in Waukon and went to school here until the fifth grade, graduating from North Fayette Valley High School in West Union. He moved back to Waukon in 2015 to be closer to his family, as his mother and father remained in his native hometown. Riley currently lives with his dog, named Boog.
The greatest challenge Riley has experienced in his new venture thus far is what he terms “the little stuff,” furthering, “Remembering all the behind-the-scenes stuff and taking care of what goes on outside the building itself.”
With an eye toward the future, Riley says he intends to update the interior of the building as time and resources warrant. He also plans to be open more often for other events, perhaps making the facility available to watch major sporting events, both on the national and local levels.
“I’m excited to see what we can make happen,” Riley said of his facility’s future.
The Waukon Banquet Center is open according to the scheduled events taking place there. To learn more about the Waukon Banquet Center or to schedule an event, visit www.waukonbanquetcenter.com or call 563-794-1537.
