Our Story

In the late 1950’s, a young motivated and inspired Lebanese American named Monsour J. Ferris, had a dream to open a bowling alley. With a clear vision and knack for knowing how to make people feel good, Monsour established his bowling alley in 1960. With the help of his brother-in-law Charles Sarkees, his sons Ronald and Monte, and teams of extended family wanting to help ... he built a very popular business. Soon thereafter, large format bowling was trending and had made its way to the area. Forced with the decision to pivot, Monsour took his business in the direction his heart pointed him in, hospitality. He would go on to build one of the most storied event centers in New England, which ushered more memories in our community than any other single venue that we have.

Over the next few decades, Monsour built the Venus de Milo into a nationally known and recognized business. Politicians such as US Senator Ted Kennedy and celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Danny Thomas and Red Buttons, visited the venue often. As the years rolled forward Monsour’s focus became more and more philanthropic. He recognized that he had two sons, who had paid their dues building the business. It was time to pass the responsibility of being the President onto his eldest son, Ronald J Ferris, and Vice President to his second son, Monte C Ferris Sr. He lived to see his son’s successfully steward the business he built into the second generation. Monsour J Ferris (Monnie/Monte) passed away in 1993 from age and health.

After Monsour’s passing, the Venus was in good hands. Ronald and Monte were both heavily invested into the community and the operation ... Ronald’s focus and talent was internal operations, while Monte’s focus and passion was external operations. Their inside/outside skills complemented each other well. Both Ronald and Monte successfully pursued other business opportunities, have been widely recognized as community leaders and philanthropists to those who need it most. In 2009, Ronald Ferris was taken before his time. He is memorialized in all the people he helped through his words and with his actions.

Since Ronald’s passing, Monte C Ferris Sr has carried his family’s passions forward through the last 14 years. He guided Venus through a 4-year recession after the crash of 2009 and maintained the well-established reputation of the Venus de Milo. Monte has dedicated most of his life to community service and board service to the organizations that serve our communities. In March of 2020, covid regulations forced the Venus de Milo to cease operations. The regulations imposed were especially detrimental to family-owned banquet facilities and Venus remained closed for 3 years.

In the fall of 2022, the Venus seemingly found opportunity once again with another young Ferris. Monte Ferris Jr recognized the opportunity to breathe new life into the Venus de Milo. 

Returning to the company with a fresh take, he saw the strong demand for his family’s special blend of hospitality and felt the passion that our communities share, to raise Venus back to prominence. A multimillion-dollar renovation was initiated and he and his wife, Erica, began to design plans to modernize the establishment. A phase 2 of the renovation is scheduled for the Winter of 2025 to build on the new venue’s beauty. The Ferris Family is excited to continue sharing this incredible property and story to make beautiful and special memories with our surrounding community.

From our hearts ... Welcome Home.

-The Ferris Family