1917

OCTOBER

Max Janoff (grandfather of Allan Janoff and great-grandfather of Max and Hunter Janoff), an immigrant from Russia who came to the U.S. in his teens, establishes Alpine Caterers. Its venue opens at Clinton Avenue in Newark, New Jersey, and offers kosher catering.

1933

JANUARY

Alpine Caterers’ venue moves to a new location in Newark, New Jersey next to the Roosevelt Theatre.

1941

JULY

Harold Janoff returns from serving in the U.S. Army in World War II, and joins his father Max at Alpine Caterers.

1948

MARCH

The Alpine Caterers venue makes a strategic move to Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, New Jersey to enter the “suburban” market, a business decision that would prove to be ahead of its time.

1959

From the time he was 11 years old, Harold’s son Allan began helping out on weekends, working alongside both his father and grandfather.

1965

JANUARY

The company opens a new event venue on Northfield Avenue in Livingston, New Jersey. Dorothy Janoff names it Crystal Plaza for its 30-plus crystal chandeliers. The elegant building was originally constructed as a residence by Architect Stanford White, who designed the original Madison Square Garden and arch in Washington Square Park. Later, it became a restaurant space before the Janoff family took it over.

1971

JULY

The Alpine venue in Maplewood is closed permanently to focus all resources on Crystal Plaza venue.

1976-1979

Allan Janoff officially takes ownership of the family business while continuing to work closely with his father and grandfather. Tragically, both passed away a few years later, at which time, Allan’s sister Ronni joined. She has remained an integral part of the family business.

1991

JANUARY

The New York Giants host a post-Super Bowl victory party at the Crystal Plaza. Coach Bill Parcells (a.k.a. The Big Tuna), Hall of Fame Linebacker Lawrence Taylor, Quarterback Phil Simms and Super Bowl MVP Ottis Anderson headline the star-studded celebration that makes news headlines across the country.

1995

Crystal Plaza undergoes massive renovations including the construction of a new grand ballroom with a capacity of 400 guests and a dance floor for private events.

1999

DECEMBER

Glatt kosher and non-kosher kitchens are built within Crystal Plaza to accommodate glatt kosher, kosher and non-kosher affairs under one roof.

2002

SEPTEMBER

On the 1-year anniversary of 9/11, Crystal Plaza hosts an emotional ceremony and reception for a true hero: an FDNY firefighter who was badly burned while responding to the attack on our nation. He is finally able to fulfill the promise he made to his fiancée prior to the attack, and personally redefines that day in history by being married amongst friends, family and fellow firemen in our gardens.

2012

NOVEMBER

Just one day after Hurricane Sandy ripped through the entire northeast, the Crystal Plaza team is able to pull off a miracle. Without any power or gas and under extraordinary circumstances, our team hosts a candlelit wedding in the parking lot. Guests rave at the outcome.

2015

JULY

Crystal Plaza is honored by The Knot as a “Hall of Fame” venue and makes the wedding magazine’s “Best of Weddings” list for the 10th consecutive year.

2016

DECEMBER

Crystal Plaza Caterers re-brands to Crystal Plaza Group, which becomes the parent company for Crystal Plaza and Alpine Kosher Catering, placing a larger emphasis on the growth and strategy behind Alpine’s off-premise services in the tri-state area.

2020

OCTOBER

During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, Crystal Plaza Group invested in their future by completing a historic expansion of the property creating 13,000 square feet of new amenity and event space for future affairs.