Though tourists and natives alike know South Street Seaport for its shopping, views and seafood restaurants, The Glazier Group isn't in the business of selling to the crowds. "We are basically in the corporate catering business," explains CEO Peter Glazier. "So this would be an extension into conferences and exhibits."

As for the gloom and doom economic forecasts, Glazier is not all that concerned. "We don't do all that much business with Internet-related firms. We do a tremendous amount of business with Wall Street, in part due to our location and space. And this holiday season has been the best the company has ever had."

Having Wall Street as a client base usually makes for a happy holiday. Recently, New York State Comptroller H. Carl. McCall predicted a record $13.3 billion in bonuses would be paid out in the securities industry, making party time second in importance to trading time.