2 women transform historic Buffalo Township barn into event venue

Two local women are transforming a historic Buffalo Township barn into an event venue that will host weddings and other private events.

Cathy Burnheimer and Jessica Krynicki are set to launch Avenue in Sarver in June, though couples can tour the venue and book event dates now.

The barn, Krynicki said, belonged to the Ekas family, who serve as the namesake for Ekastown Road, which runs through the area.

The barn originally was used for a poultry farm before being converted to a dress shop in the 1960s. Most recently, it housed a bar and restaurant called Peter B’s.

When Burnheimer bought the location in January, she said she was excited for the opportunity to launch an event venue in a building with such rich history.

“I just saw an opportunity to preserve history with this barn, but to be able to showcase it it in a more elegant light,” she said.

Cathy Burnheimer and Jessica Krynicki, co-owners of Avenue in Sarver, are transforming a 150-year-old barn in Buffalo Township into an event venue. pic.twitter.com/YXImjZfbmX

— Julia Felton (@JuliaFelton16) February 12, 2021

“We see the beauty in the building and that it’s still standing as strong as it is,” Krynicki added.

A handmade bar crafted by Dean Widenhofer, who operated Peter B’s, will remain a prominent fixture.

The barn will retain its “rustic features,” though it’s getting several major updates, Burnheimer said.

The barn is outfitted with modern conveniences such as plumbing, heating and air conditioning. The pair installed new windows and plans to add chandeliers, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and French doors.

With a maximum capacity of 150 people, Avenue in Sarver will charge $7,900 for events on Saturdays, $5,900 for Fridays and Sundays and $2,900 for Mondays through Thursdays.

Their opening date is slated for June 1, when they plan to host an open house.

Burnheimer has been involved in the wedding business for decades, previously operating a bakery that served wedding cakes. She said she’s seen enough wedding venues to have a clear image of what she wants for Avenue in Sarver.

“We want to not just host events, but we want to give people an experience,” she said, adding that they’ll have three certified wedding planners on the staff.

The venue will boast a playroom for kids, two dressing rooms for the bride and groom, and outdoor photo locations, as well as an inventory of decor that couples may opt to use for weddings. Burnheimer said they plan to enclose the outdoor patio before next winter.

Local businesses will serve as partners for everything from catering to shuttle services, Burnheimer said.

Though the duo is enthusiastic to launch Avenue in Sarver, Burnheimer admitted that covid-19 raises concerns.

“I own another business, and I see how it has affected that business,” Burnheimer said, referring to Popped Envy, a gourmet popcorn company she owns. “It’s concerning. It’s scary.”

She said she’s confident they can operate this summer without violating covid-19 regulations.

“You just have to think and get creative and make it work,” she said.

Nonetheless, opening an event venue was something they’d both wanted to do for years — and they plan to eventually open more.

“I wanted to have an event space that could give something back to the community,” Krynicki said.