The history behind the Crystal Plaza mansion and the Janoff family's accomplishments includes a journey of thousands of celebrations and smiles. The Crystal Plaza is approaching its 100 Year Anniversary of servicing over 10 million illustrious guests.

The original building of The Crystal Plaza was constructed in the 1890's by a prominent New England architect. In the 1920's the fieldstone mansion was purchased by the Norelli family, who began renovations for a family residence. In 1931 the building was sold for $7,100, and restorations continued. From 1942 to 1964 the building was the Condor Restaurant, and from 1964 to 1965 the Golden Harp Restaurant. The Janoff's purchased the Livingston building in 1965 and renamed it The Crystal Plaza because of its crystal chandeliers and beautiful glasswork.

Several distinctive qualities enabled Crystal Plaza to be chosen as the winner of the 2005 New Jersey Family Business Award. Just as important as the business decisions, are the family values, traditions and visions that shape the society in which we live. The New Jersey Family Business of the Year Awards program was established in 1993 and has celebrated its 13th anniversary this year. The Rothman Institute of Entre-preneurial Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University, PNC Bank, and the New Jersey Monthly Magazine sponsor the awards.

Winners of the award are selected based on the quality of their business, and how well they overcome challenges. But just as significant, is how much they give back to the community. Crystal Plaza Caterers, has been in business for over 89 years in one form or another. The unique aspect of the Crystal Plaza, founded in 1917 by Allan Janoff's grandparents, Max and Anna Janoff, is their policy of finding, nurturing, and retaining employees who, like the Janoff's themselves, are passionate people and creative thinkers, with a strong desire to contribute to the community. This deep seeded commitment by the Janoff family to philanthropic missions, is what tipped the scales for the judges of this coveted award, which included the principles and executive directors from the co-sponsoring companies of the program; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, PSE&G, and Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti LLP.

Political Analyst for NBC Nightly News, Tim Russert was Keynote Speaker to Benefit the United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest NJ - at Annual Major Gifts Event held at The Crystal Plaza, September 25, 2007. Tim Russert, Managing Editor and Moderator of "Meet the Press," is pictured being graciously welcomed by Barry Ress, General Manager of The Crystal Plaza. Tim Russert, political analyst for NBC Nightly News and the Today program who additionally anchors The Tim Russert Show, a weekly interview program on CNBC, and is a contributing anchor for MSNBC, delivered a compelling speech entitled "A View From Washington."

Marlee Matlin who received worldwide critical acclaim for her motion picture debut in Paramount Pictures' Children of a Lesser God, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress, was a guest speaker at The Crystal Plaza, October 17, 2007. Matlin appeared to support the efforts of the United Jewish Appeal of Metro West, NJ at the Hineni: Here I am Women's Campaign Day 2008. At age 21, Marlee Matlin became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar, making her one of only four actresses to receive that honor for a film debut. Pictured with Marlee Matlin left to right are Maxine B. Murnick, 2007 Women's Campaign Chair, Ronni Janoff-Weinstein, Crystal Plaza owner, Marlee Matlin, and Debbie Janoff, Crystal Plaza owner.

Through the years Crystal Plaza's masterpiece ice-sculptures have added an elegant and creative flare to both social and business affairs. Guests have marveled over the details and diamond like allure of the dazzling ice carvings. The range of shapes and sizes combined with the realistic craftsmanship of custom carved logos, ice bars, figures, towers, simply anything imaginable, is astounding. As the demand and admiration has grown, Crystal Plaza has recently fortified its ice-sculpture division with the construction of a custom made freezer room set at a chilling 20 degrees. Crystal Plaza has also procured two expert carving artists. Julio Sanchez and Victor Rodriguez, both from Columbia, South America started sculpting ice in the mid 90's after successful careers as apprentice machinists and graphic designers. Through intense observation they mastered their skills. Now after years of working together, Julio and Victor are accomplished craftsmen, and are proud to have developed the Crystal Plaza style, stressing a contemporary fascination with clarity, simplicity and precision.