Our Story at The Westwood

For over 60 years, The Westwood has been proudly family owned and operated, built on a foundation of tradition, hard work, and a genuine passion for bringing people together. What began in 1962 as a vision shared by our founder, Joe Scalzadonna, and his partners—on the grounds of what was once the Hotel Scandia—has grown into one of New Jersey’s most trusted and enduring event venues.

Originally planned as a bowling alley, the concept quickly evolved into something far more meaningful: a place where families could gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories. As the business grew, so did our commitment. In 1985, The Westwood underwent a major expansion, adding a second floor and allowing us to welcome even more guests into our home.

Our name itself reflects our roots—derived from the neighboring towns of Westfield and Garwood, where we’ve remained deeply connected to the community for generations. Today, that same sense of connection continues to guide everything we do.

What truly makes The Westwood special is the family behind it. From our earliest days to now, multiple generations of the Scalzadonna family have played a role in shaping who we are. With the fourth generation now actively involved, our legacy continues with the same values and dedication that started it all.

Being a family-run business means we understand the importance of value. We know what it means to celebrate life’s biggest moments while being mindful of cost, which is why we take pride in being one of the most cost-effective venues in the area—without ever compromising on quality, service, or experience. Every event we host is treated with the same care and attention as if it were our own family celebration.

At the Westwood, this isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. And we look forward to continuing our tradition of celebrating life’s most meaningful moments with families like yours for generations to come.