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Ed Weinhardt Sr., owner of Weinhardt Party Rentals, is preparing to spend $500,000 to capture party rental business that had been handled by Admiral Party & Tent Rentals.
As recently as two years ago, Admiral generated $4 million a year in party rentals, ranging from events at the St. Louis Country Club to Fair St. Louis. But Admiral's sudden decision to close Oct. 7 has left those events, venues such as Gateway International Raceway and hundreds of private parties searching for replacement party equipment suppliers.
"If we don't purchase Admiral's assets, we will be spending $500,000 on brand new equipment," said Weinhardt, 54.
Weinhardt is not alone in hoping to fill the gap. At least three other event and party rental firms - the party rental division of Aries Co., Grand Rental Station and Sun Rental Inc. - said they have added corporate and private party work originally booked by Admiral.