In 1972, the Guarino family, in the midst of their long successful run operating corporate cafeterias and executive dining rooms in downtown New York City purchased their first catering hall in Old Tappan, New Jersey. Ten years later they introduced the Colonial Inn as the “jewel” of their portfolio. After 30 years the mission remains the same: ensure every client and each of their guests has a great time at a Colonial Inn affair, period. Simple and elegant banquet rooms, authentic homemade cuisine, and service that is warm and friendly are qualities that lend themselves to this formula for success.

Paul Guarino, Sr. graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1967 and was pastry chef for the Park Plaza in New Haven, Connecticut. Shortly thereafter he joined the family business as the Executive Chef for Mr. G’s Restaurant in New York City. From 1969 to 1978, he held the position of the Vice President of Operations of the Guarino Food Service in New York City. He is a winner of the prestigious Crystal Pineapple Award for Catering Excellence in 1987, and his progressive and innovative approach in providing for the ever-changing tastes of his clientele has ensured their satisfaction.

Paul Guarino, Jr. attended Florida International University and Fairleigh Dickinson University for hotel and restaurant management, The New Jersey Sommelier Institute, The Windows on the World Wine Class, and two stints of continuing education classes at the Culinary Institute of America. He has worked in alá carte, off-premise, retail liquor, and catering environments in both the back and front of the house which has provided him with a broad range of knowledge and experience.

Thomas Spinelli has planned weddings and other catered affairs in Rockland and Bergen County for the last 30 years; most notably from 1992-2004 at his very own Nyack Grand. Tommy’s attention to aesthetic detail and ability to execute the vision of his clients is remarkable and one of Colonial Inn’s greatest assets.

Stephen DelCorso, our executive chef, graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 1989 and has essentially called Colonial Inn his home for the large majority of the years since. Stephen is dedicated to Paul Sr.’s philosophy of fresh ingredients and authentic homemade preparation in preparing the Colonial Inn’s extraordinarily diverse menus in a consistent manner week after week.

Our “Family” Staff and their years of loyal service: Robert Sullivan, manager (25), Jean Reiner, manager (21), Christine Killian, banquet captain (23), Dara Sausto, banquet captain (10), Christa Jones, head waiter (8), Cynthia Fuentes, head waiter (6), Gabriel Sampedro, waiter/bartender (8), Gloria Quinones, head waiter (11), Diana Alvarez, head waiter (14), Bill Manzare, bartender (28), Jose Cardona, dishwasher (23), Albiero Cardona, head porter (23), Nery Sontay, prep cook (14), William Carrera, sous chef (16).