Cliff Donovan didn’t think twice about where he wanted to open his catering business, Grand Celebrations. 

Farmington was his choice, and not only because his family had a business in the area for 40 years. This is also where he grew up.

A 1977 graduate of Farmington High School, Donovan followed in his family’s footsteps because catering was “something born in to, something I know.”

He is the manager and executive chef at his banquet and full service catering company, located on Grand River Ave. With room for up to 200 people, Grand Celebrations provides a fine dining and entertainment experience.

His family's business was operated out of the American Legion post on Grand River, before moving in 1976 to the Chalet, also on Grand River east of Orchard Lake Road, in Farmington Hills. While a student at Wayne State University, Donovan worked as a cook at Joe Muer’s in Detroit. Other than that, he always worked with family.

About nine years ago, Donovan sold the business at Chalet and opened Grand Celebrations. The process was a simple one. “With the transition between the two, it was only a matter of getting a liquor license," he said.

Since the move, Donovan has relished the opportunity to be more involved in the community. Farmington Public Safety recently held their annual awards ceremony at Grand Celebrations, and Donovan has done a cooking demo at the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market.

On Sunday, Grand Celebrations will cater a fundraising brunch at the Governor Warner Mansion, hosted by the Farmington Historical Society.

For more information about the company, visit grandcelebrations.com or call 248-426-7388.

Correction: Cliff Donovan is a 1977 graduate of Farmington High School.