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The Inn Between Wedding & Event Center

If there are two people in Central New York who have the gift of recognizing both where things seem to be moving, and importantly, what’s noteworthy about where we have been, it’s Doug and Tammy LaLone.

The couple have been active in real estate investment and development, but importantly, they’ve used their combined talents to make something even more iconic out of established brands in town. Like, “The Little Gem” diner, an old school lunch counter of the shiny siding and heaping plateful vintage that had fallen on hard times, though still loved by city residents. The LaLone family invested just what it needed to bring The Gem back to its “must visit” status in Syracuse. The diner remains in the family, owned and operated by their son, Anthony, and his wife.

Later, they saw downtown life and notably the section of town called The Creekwalk area as a great opportunity for more upscale dining visitors can stroll to, and they opened The Preseve at 405, a popular dining venue.

Now, Doug and Tammy LaLone have taken on another CNY landmark location, and have a plan to create a versatile and one-of-a-kind atmosphere for weddings at the Inn Between, a beautiful dining destination that had maintained its look and feel for more than 50 years.

The LaLones heard through the grapevine that owner and chef Chris Cesta was, after 52 years in the business, retiring. It was a significant enough event that the closing night was documented in the press, and every table was booked from opening till its final closing. The 8000 square foot manor had been built in the 1800s, becoming a restaurant in the mid-20th century.

The LaLones saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and began negotiations. “We bought it,” Doug LaLone said, with more than a trace of pride, “along with quite a bit of land.”

Noting that they had, under the talented and thoughtful eye of Tammy, the designer in the family, already done significant renovation to the downstairs of the stunning location – while preserving those details that give the spot its elegant and historic charm – he explained that their ultimate goal was to be adaptable.

“Inside, on the first floor, now that the four rooms have been combined into a single, expansive space, we can accommodate parties of 100 to 120 guests.” But a wedding venue, he added, must be beautiful and adaptable. “Outside, we added two elevated decks with beautiful stone patios and fireplaces, and a full stone patio over by the pond for even more scenic settings. Now a wedding can be 300-400 people with tents, stunning spots for ceremonies, photos, and unforgettable receptions.” He added that the venue is also open to catering events of all kinds, from corporate get-togethers to anniversary, birthday, and other milestone celebrations.

The LaLones are aiming to have a first showing of the venue by late January, and to begin booking right away for weddings and events in the spring, summer, and fall of 2026. “The property is versatile,” LaLone said. “It can be extremely casual, or can be used as the most elegant setting you can imagine.” He added that the venue’s kitchen and floor plan can accommodate whatever the couple, or other party planners, can dream up – “from 5-star chefs to pizza.”

“The whole upstairs,” LaLone said, “has been renovated to host the bride and her party for their pre-wedding dressing and get togethers, with cosmetic and hair dressing chairs, changing rooms, living rooms, and fully-appointed baths. Food can be brought up for the women while they get ready.”

The LaLones long experience in the food service industry assure guests that they’ll be able to connect with the best caterers, chefs, planners and designers to get exactly the wedding they’re dreaming of – in exactly the perfect location!