ONTARIO–A longtime entertainment company in North Central Ohio has expanded into men’s formalwear after taking over a similar store in the Richland Mall.

Nyte-Flyte Entertainment, which has been in business since 1983, has opened “Nyte-Flyte Entertainment Presents a Black Tie Affair,” a men’s formalwear store located by the Food Court in the former location of American Commodore Tuxedo.

“We had to jump both feet in all at once,” said owner Jeff Angelini, who opened the business in March 2021 just before prom season kicked off but during the height of the COVID pandemic. “I think it’s doing well. We had to kind of learn a lot along the way.”

The retail shop specializes in a complete line of tuxedos and formalwear for weddings, proms, and other special occasions. Brands available to rent or purchase include popular designers such as JFW (Jim’s Formal Wear) and Milroy’s, Angelini said.

Men’s suits have gained in popularity over the traditional tux, Angelini said, with an array of styles and especially color taking center stage. “It has gotten to be more as far as colors go, and it varies wildly. 

Promwear is as big and bold as you can possibly imagine. Statement pieces.”

Grooms and members of the wedding party have also embraced the recent color trend in selecting their formalwear for the big day, Angelini said. Tuxedos, as well as suits, are typically dark blue or dark gray, he said, but often incorporate a hint of the bridal colors in a tie or accessory.

Nyte-Flyte, Angelini said, bought the men’s formalwear line from Bridals by B after its owner retired. 

Until then, the company had been known for specializing on the entertainment side of weddings and special occasions, providing disc jockeys, emcees, and even photo booths.

The company offers professional sound systems, video screens, and custom lighting for parties and corporate events, he said. “Adding the lighting element transforms the room from something that looks like a cafeteria or meeting space to something that looks like a gala.”

Fitting appointments at the mall store can be made by calling 419-529-2009 or logging onto ablacktieaffair.net. Additional information on Nyte-Flyte Entertainment can be found at nyteflyte.net.