BizBeat: Jefferson City couple revives Centertown event venue

The former Braykley's Hall in Centertown had been publicizing its pending closing for months when Jefferson City couple Michael and Denise Barnes purchased the venue to revive it as West Ridge Event Center.

"My husband and I have kind of been looking for about four years for something because we really felt that there was a strong need in this town. The places that are here are booked fairly quickly or are very cost-prohibitive for a lot of people," Denise Barnes said. "Quite by accident, we found the match, and we thought that it was time to do it."

The 5,600-square-foot venue, which Glen and Debbie Eiken originally opened at 219 Murphy's Ford Road in 2008, has hosted weddings and a variety of other events. The Barnes family intends to operate it in the same way, as well as making it more suitable for hosting entertainment.

The new owners already have booked upcoming weddings since reopening under the new name Oct. 16.

"It kind of confirms what we thought, that there is a need, and that's why we were sad to see a viable option leaving," Barnes said. "We knew we needed it to stay in this town."

Immediate improvements to the hall include adding a permanent photo booth for weddings and dances, and a wireless projector for business meetings.

They'll also add a stage to host shows like comedians and music acts.

West Ridge Event Center's first go at bringing new entertainment to Mid-Missouri will be a comedy show: "Thankful for the Laughter," featuring comedian Chad Thornsberry. The show is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Nov. 28. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Familiar with Branson's entertainment scene, the Barnes family hopes to bring in more acts from that area, "for something different and unique to the Jefferson City area to give folks something fun to do that will keep them from going to Columbia and the other neighboring areas," Barnes said.

For more information about West Ridge Event Center, go online to westridgeeventcenter.com.

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