UTICA — A new name on Genesee Street comes with a familiar family story. La Banca Utica Catering & Events is offering space for weddings and private gatherings at 268 Genesee St., while carrying forward a catering tradition connected to Kitty’s.
Owner Jordan Morgan Durr is continuing the work of her late father, Dave Morgan, who started Kitty’s more than 30 years ago, according to La Banca’s account of its history. The company says Durr expanded the family’s catering business after her father’s death in 2023.
As a proud part of this legacy, La Banca Utica continues to emphasize quality and community in every event they serve.
The downtown venue gives that family business another place to bring people together. Its opening was the subject of an Oct. 21 report in the Daily Sentinel. That article’s publication date should not be confused with a confirmed first day of operation.
What La Banca offers
La Banca describes itself as a family-owned, full-service event venue. On its official website, the business lists weddings and private events, with menus and beverage options that can be tailored to each gathering.
The company also advertises charcuterie carts and a mobile cannoli-stuffing service as options for events. Those details give prospective hosts a sense of the catering approach, but they are company descriptions, not a Phoenix review of the food or service.
Customers who already have a location in mind have another option. The business says it will continue off-premise catering through Eat Well Food Services. That means the Genesee Street venue and catering at another site are separate options to discuss when making an inquiry.
A family business moves forward
The connection to Kitty’s is central to the story Durr tells about La Banca. The company’s history links the new venue to her father’s years in food and hospitality, rather than presenting it as an unrelated startup.
For local readers, the news is both a business development and a continuation of a family enterprise. For someone planning a celebration, the immediate question is more practical: Does the space, service and price fit the event?
A visit and a written proposal can answer questions that a website cannot. The Phoenix has not independently inspected the venue or reviewed a booking contract.
Questions to ask before booking
Before committing to any event space, hosts should ask for the total price, the services included and the rules for changes or cancellation. At La Banca, readers should also confirm these details directly:
- Capacity for a seated meal and for other room layouts.
- Step-free access, accessible restrooms and arrangements for guests with mobility needs.
- Parking, drop-off access and the time available for setup and cleanup.
- Menu choices, dietary needs and how food allergies are handled.
- Deposit requirements, final guest-count deadlines and beverage charges.
Those are planning questions, not findings that the business lacks any service. The public pages reviewed for this report do not settle those details.
La Banca’s website provides an inquiry route and identifies the venue at 268 Genesee St., Utica. Readers should confirm availability and booking terms directly with the business before making plans.
