It was a Sunday evening in 2020. Derek Moore was lying in bed, doomscrolling, when an ad popped up featuring a gentleman lamenting about how he had been a failure. He talked about changing his life and how to make a lot of money by renting out event space. All you had to do was sign up for a free webinar and you’d get all the answers you need.
Moore knew there would be some sort of catch — probably a monetary one — but decided to give the man a listen. He said the spiel made sense, and since he was unhappy with his job at the time, he wanted to learn more. He has an entrepreneurial spirit, but was tired of selling online.
The catch was that the free webinar led to a program that turned out to be not so cheap — but Moore decided to invest with his wife Trekita’s blessing.
“Kudos to that man, because what he said and what he did came to life,” Moore said.
The Moores now own Suite Metuchen, a 2,200-square feet rental space on Main Street that caters to every type of event possible.
“The connection of driving people back together is the allure of a business like ours,” Moore said. “And people just like to party.”
Moore said a party hall is a cultural concept, but sometimes venues can be outdated and drab. He and his wife decided to create a modern and upscale rental space for everything from the usual birthday party and bridal shower to movie screenings, a book signing with the creator of Elf on the Shelf, fashion shows, youth banquets, and business launch parties.
The space is DIY, Moore explained: You’re provided with tables, chairs, and linens, a kitchenette, an ice machine and even WiFi, but the party hosts are responsible for the set up and clean up. You can bring in your own table arrangements, balloons, decorations, play areas, or bounce house. As a proud Black-owned business, Moore said he and his wife collaborate with other small business and minority owners from Edison and Metuchen, and provide a preferred vendors list upon booking.
“You can paint your perfect vision within the walls of our space,” Moore said. “We provide four walls and a roof — you’re only limited by your imagination.”
Guests have access to a 130-inch projector and 75-inch TV with surround sound to play videos, slideshows, and PowerPoint presentations. Connect a phone or tablet to the speaker system and you’ll have the music of your choice, sans hiring a DJ. And parents appreciate that you can invite all the kids you want — without them tearing up your house, Moore said.
The Moores are residents of Edison, but were drawn to Metuchen after looking around Middlesex County for event space. There were some discrepancies with zoning permits in certain towns, but the Moores were able to sign a proper lease in Metuchen in 2021, and opened the space in April 2022.
Since the family was met with many “no’s,” Moore advises other entrepreneurs to seek mentorship, and to always persevere.
“It’s so much sweeter on the other end,” he said.
The couple just signed their second five-year lease. To mark the occasion, Moore hopes to open the space to more community events, including hosting an art show and working on free events.
Guests recently enjoyed a $5 game night with Dino Flammia, who works for the radio station NJ 101.5 FM, but who also created his own traveling game show and tours with Host My Game Night.
Suite Metuchen is located at 406 Main St. For more information, call 732-762-0327.
