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GREENSBORO - Catering by Ellyn, one of the city's oldest and largest caterers, has closed because of the economy, according to sources who have talked with the owner, Steve Paladino.

The abrupt closing left numerous clients searching for someone to cater their business luncheons, bar mitzvahs and bridal receptions.

Efforts to reach Paladino, who lives in Raleigh, were unsuccessful Tuesday.

The business, at 509-A S. Edgeworth St., was locked Tuesday afternoon, and a sign taped to the door read, "Sorry, We're Closed."

Neighbors in the building said the sign had been up for at least two days.

"I spoke with (Paladino), and he confirmed that they were closed," said Don Freedman, head of the Triad Bridal Association. "He was very tight-lipped."

Freedman said he had informed association members about the closing. "All of them were pretty shocked," he said.

Meredith Williams, co-owner of Pepper Moon Catering, said she called Paladino and offered to help some of the clients who had been left in the lurch.

"His comment was, 'I want them to have good parties. I want them taken care of,'" Williams said. "I feel for the guy."

She said Paladino had been notifying his clients but she did not know how many people might be affected by the closing.

"Whether it's a corporate client or a wedding client, they are both in a sticky situation," Williams said. "I am sure there is going to be some disappointment there."

Williams said her business would take on about 20 of Paladino's clients this week, ranging from 10 to 100 people. None were weddings.

"It's a product of the economy," Williams said in explaining why Ellyn's had closed. "With the cost of food, the cost of gas, the cost of labor, it's just a tough economy. He feels very badly about it."

Neither Williams nor Freedman knew how many employees Paladino had.

Freedman said Paladino bought Catering by Ellyn last year from Ellyn and Jerry Steinhorn, who opened the business in 1986. Efforts to reach the Steinhorns were unsuccessful.

Paladino's Web site remained up late Tuesday. One page showed a barefoot bride and groom enjoying a glass of wine.

The caption read: "Kick off your shoes and don't worry about a thing."

Contact Donald W. Patterson at 373-7027 or don.patterson@news-record.com