ABOUT US
In October of 1977, twelve hundred people came to a Columbus Day Dinner Dance
in Livonia, Michigan, organized by a group called the Italian American Friends of
Ed McNamara, Mayor of that City. They raised $5,000 for the Mayor and the party was the social event of the season.
Nineteen of those Italian-Americans gathered at Nicky’s (a popular dining place in Livonia owned by Nick Canzano) on October 13, 1977 to discuss the fundraiser. At that time, they decided they liked being together and worked well together and they organized the club that became known as The Italian American Club of Livonia.
The Club held its first Millionaire’s Party in February of 1981 which raised over $3,000.00 Then in August of 1981, the Clubhouse at 9611 Hubbard in Livonia was purchased at a cost of $33,000 with $15,000 as a down payment. Members pitched in to make the building, in disrepair, an enjoyable “home” until 1994.
In 1990 a momentous decision was made to build a new club-house/banquet facility and 5.21 acres of land on 5 Mile Road, and the I-275 expressway in Livonia was purchased on July 31st of that year. The old clubhouse was sold to the Livonia Jaycees. With President Tony Greco spearheading the effort, financing was obtained, ground broken in 1993 and building was completed in August of 1994. A Gala Grand Opening was held to celebrate a dream come true; a 26,000 sq. ft. facility on two levels.
The Italian American Banquet Center of Livonia has been in business ever since, and has successfully coordinated and catered thousands of memorable events for our Members and the public!
Meet the IABC Team
Fabiola Brace
As a smart, flexible and adaptable person, Fabiola Brace is a great addition to our team. Fabiola graduated with a Bachelor Degree of Science with concentration in Physics from Tirana University in Albania. She has a Master of Business Administration Degree with concentration in Health Care Management and resides in Plymouth with her young son. She has been in the food and beverage industry for over sixteen years. Her experience includes, but is not limited to, the position of General Manager at Little Italy Restaurant in Northville for over eleven years.
In April of 2010 Fabiola was hired as the Banquet Manager at the Italian American Banquet Center of Livonia and got promoted as General Manager in March 2011. As our General Manager, Fabiola works diligently to ensure that everything served is of the highest quality and elegantly presented.
General Manager
Nandi Zeqja
Nandi Zeqja immigrated to the United States in 1997 with his family and moved to Michigan in 2000. He currently lives in Livonia with his wife and two daughters. Nandi carries a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Academy of Arts in Albania as well as Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management from the New York Restaurant School. Nandi spent 4 years working in various restaurants around the New York City metro area where he was introduced to the concept of building daily menus around fresh ingredients.
Nandi Zeqja joined the Italian American Banquet Center in 2002 as our sous chef. His dedication is expressed in quality food, new recipes, and an artistic presentation. With his knowledge and skills Nandi consistently produces fine foods that are professionally prepared and presented.
Executive Chef
Vicki Labrosse
Vicki Labrosse has worked in the Hospitality Industry for over twenty years. She has held a variety of management positions in Banquet & Event, Casino, Airport, and Casual and Fine Dining settings.
Vicki is originally from Dearborn, Michigan. In 2011, she moved to Texas and then Alabama in 2013, while following her husband's military career. With his retirement, they returned to their roots as Michigander's in 2017, which is when she began her career with IABC as our Banquet Sales & Events Coordinator.
In her spare time, Vicki loves indulging in music and art as well as spending as much time as possible with her two dogs.
Banquet Sales & Events Coordinator
Jeana Marinos
Jeana graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors Degree in Nonprofit and Health Administration. Outside of work, she's probably doing calligraphy at a specialty coffee shop or frolicking somewhere in the outdoors. She is passionate about people, learning, nature, and infusing creativity into all possible aspects of life.
You guessed it! Jeana is behind the Italian American Banquet & Conference Center’s Social Media platforms. It is her goal to maintain the IABC’s positive image in an authentic, inviting way through Graphic Design, Marketing, and Photography.
Social Media & Communications Coordinator
Keri Tapella
Keri Tapella, a former server at The Italian American Banquet & Conference Center for 3 & 1/2 years, has returned eager to learn the ins and outs of business. Here at the IABC, Keri assists in everyday Office Operations and Reception work.
When she is not working in the office, Keri is busy working as an Etsy shop owner selling her paintings and pottery pieces. In her spare time she enjoys performing in plays at various theatres around the Metro Detroit area and traveling every chance she can.
Operations Assistant