The Aviator Event Center & Pub is transforming the former 100th Bomb Group location into a stunning venue for weddings and other gatherings
By Mitch Allen
A stunning new venue is getting ready to take flight in the first quarter of 2022. It’s called The Aviator Event Center & Pub and it will occupy the former home of the 100th Bomb Group overlooking Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Thanks to a massive renovation, The Aviator has been refashioned to exude opulent modern elegance, including a ballroom with a gorgeous white marble dance floor glowing beneath a custom Italian chandelier.
The Aviator’s focus is reflected in its tagline: “Imagination without barriers.”
“We’re here to give you the wedding of your dreams,” says president and owner Khadar Soussou, who is opening the new venue with partners United Concessions Group and Cleveland entrepreneur Tony G. Di Fiore. “And by that I mean customization. We don’t offer packages A, B and C. We’re a complete custom caterer top to bottom. We find out what your dream is and we make it happen.”
Reinventing the Wedding
At age 28, Khadar is the youngest event center owner in the region and he gets what young couples expect these days.
“The word wedding comes with so many different perceptions and we’re blowing those up,” he says. “You don’t get a cookie cutter wedding reception with chicken and green beans. And buffets are long gone, too; we don’t even offer them.”
“Instead,” says executive vice president Spencer Shaw, “you get anything from a Brazilian steakhouse feast experience to a chef carving tableside—you get the elegance of a plated meal but with a unique touch never seen before at a wedding. The sky’s the limit.”
As an example, Spencer says they are planning one wedding for a couple that loves to go camping. “We’re parking campers in the parking lot for their guests to sleep in and we’re bringing in a fire pit so everyone can make s’mores and do shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey,” he says. “Again, it’s about who you are and what your dreams are. I’d say 99% of our weddings will feature something that is not on the catering menu.”
The Aviator is also taking the stress out of wedding planning by creating a one-stop shop. “We have high-profile onsite partners so you don’t have to worry about anything,” says partner Tony G. Di Fiore. “Blanc Slate floral and event design, RJ Donnelly photography and video—they’re all here. Even Ohio DJ Pros has an office right in the building. And we’ve partnered with Jack Frost Donuts, perfect when guests get the late-night munchies.”
The event center also features variable uplighting already installed (just choose your color) plus two ceremony sites with the airport as a backdrop.
Get the App
Khadar says also gone are the days of planning a wedding via email. “We’ve developed our own app called Aviator Events,” he adds. “It’s already in the App Store. We communicate in real time any time.”
For enhanced planning flexibility, the venue can also do wedding receptions any day of the week, including Sundays. And the location can’t be beat. “There’s a reason why they built the airport here,” Tony says. “It’s convenient to all of Northeast Ohio, and with the Orbit Hotel opening in the former NASA buildings, your out-of-town guests won’t have far to travel.”
Multiple Event Spaces
In addition to the 400-person ballroom—known as the Flight Event Space—The Aviator also features the all-stone Gabriella’s Space for up to 120 guests; the oak wood Maria’s Place for up 70 guests; and Sophia’s Room, perfect for family celebrations, bar and bat mitzvahs, showers, and corporate meetings of up to 40 people. The rooms, by the way, were named for the partner’s daughters.
All spaces within The Aviator are decidedly upscale with valet parking available and champagne Chiavari chairs. “The days of ‘upgrades’ are gone,” Khadar says. “Our standard chairs are the upgrade. Our brides deserve the best.”
And don’t let The Aviator name fool you. It refers to the proximity to the airport, not to the décor. “You’ll find an aviation-theme in the pub, but not in the rest of the event center,” Khadar assures. “We don’t want our theme interfering with your theme.”
Speaking of the pub, The Aviator features a restaurant and a rooftop bar, the perfect spot to keep the party going after your wedding or event has ended. The pub is open to the public, and you can enjoy a fine meal then check out the event center. You’ll even find a wedding shop where you can explore options for linen, plates and flatware.
The All-Inclusive Micro-Wedding!
The Aviator’s All-Inclusive Micro-Wedding is the ideal choice for couples who want the dream wedding experience and save money, too. It’s available only on Thursdays and Sundays (excluding holiday weekends). For a flat $100 per person out the door, you enjoy all this:
FROM THE AVIATOR:
• Outdoor ceremony site with runway views
• Champagne Chiavari chairs
• Dinnerware, flatware, glassware
• Floor-length linens (pick your colors)
• Color-changing up-lighting
• Bridal suite
• Audio equipment
• 30-minute ceremony
• 5-hour reception
• Cocktail hour with fresh fruit or cheese show display
• Plated entrée and Aviator house salad
• Top-shelf bar
• Event staff
• Day-of coordination
• Cake cutting
• Set-up and clean-up
FROM BLANC SLATE FLORAL:
• Bridal bouquet
• Bridesmaids bouquets
• Groomsmen boutonnieres
• Selection of centerpieces
• Votive and accent candles
• Natural greenery
• Garland floral runners
• Set-up and clean-up
FROM RJ DONNELLY MEDIA:
• 4 hours of photo and video coverage
• Up to 250 wedding photos
• 1- to 2-minute highlight video
The Aviator Event Center & Pub is expected to open in the first quarter of 2022, but dates are booking up fast. To schedule a tour, call 216-770-5300 or contact them online at AviatorCLE.com. The facility is located at 20920 Brookpark Road in Cleveland.