Prom Center

Prom Catering began in the 1940's when Harry Given visited the original Prom Ballroom to do advertising and promotion for the popular dance hall that anchored University Avenue for over 45 years. The Prom Ballroom stood as a symbol of an era of music, including the popular Big Bands, and the introduction of "Rock and Roll" in the 50's and 60's. After a few years, Harry Given became the General Manager, and eventually the owner.

The Prom Ballroom as an entity is gone, but the Given family stands firm in their commitment to Prom Catering and the service it promised. During the late 1980's, Harry's sons Tom and Bill bought the company from their father and strategically shifted it into catering, event management and concession operations. During this time, the company operated out of the Prom Expo Center on Smith Avenue in St. Paul.

Prom Catering spent the next several years involved in the catering aspects of local and national PGA Tournaments. Time and reputation helped Prom to become the preferred catering company for golf events in the Twin Cities and across the country.

The Prom Expo Center was too small to handle the growing company. Prom Catering clients' need for conference, meeting, and reception space had grown. Unfortunately, their beloved father and role model, Harry Given, passed away in September 1998.

Tom and Bill grew not only as individuals but also as businessmen in the wake of their loss. The Harry Given legacy has evolved into a new Prom Center. A facility providing the charm, brilliance, and tradition he established was redesigned and moved to Oakdale, Minnesota. The Prom Center opened a new, state of the art 40,000 square foot facility, including offices, kitchen, 12,000 square foot ballroom, conference rooms, and a taste kitchen.

The Prom Center is one of a kind servicing the east metro area of the Twin Cities. Prom has always been a leader in the special events industry. Harry Given saw to it; his sons still do.

Excerpts from The Prom Center, MN Meetings and Events Magazine
Author Nicole A. Lerner-Schachtman