AGAWAM – The banquet and event hall known as Chez Josef is currently up for sale, but will continue to operate for the time being.

“Chez Josef has been an institution in this marketplace for nearly 60 years. It is hard to find someone around here that has not attended some type of function there. The pandemic has been a challenge for the banquet business, but the banquet business will return,” said Brendan Greeley, president of the RJ Greely Company, which is offering the building for sale exclusively. “The current owners, who have enjoyed operating the business, have decided to pursue some other opportunities and let the next entrepreneur write their own chapter for the property.”

Marc Sparks, current owner and general manager of the establishment, was not available for further comment. Sparks purchased Chez Josef in 2012.

Greeley also noted that Chez Josef is currently booking events for the 2021 and 2022 season and has “every intention of honoring all existing contracts.”

The property, located on Shoemaker Lane, measures 9.88 acres. The interior of the building features approximately 30,000 square feet of event space that was previously licensed for 1,500 total occupants. The event space benefits from open areas, high ceilings and several bathrooms. The remaining 22,000 square feet includes two kitchens, office space on the first and second floor, freezer and cooler storage, and dry storage. The property is also available for lease.

RJ Greeley Company has listed the property’s sale price at $2.5 million. Interested parties looking for more information can contact Greeley.