Subterranean
Inspiration
In 2021, Kate purchased the vacant Citizens National Bank in Frederick, Maryland. Built in 1908 and last renovated in the 90’s, the property was full of potential and history. Kate went viral turning the above-ground floors into a wedding venue. An entrepreneur at heart, Kate hates wasting non-income-generating space and set to work in early 2025 turning the Cold War-era nuclear fallout shelter in the building’s basement into a podcast studio where she, along with her team, shares valuable insight on business, building transformation and the booming events industry.
Kate Dear
is the founder & CEO of Fêtewell and the voice behind The Venue Underground podcast. Holding an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Kate combines business acumen with adaptive-reuse design and hospitality expertise to transform century-old banks, classic car dealerships and factories into thriving event destinations across the U.S.
A keynote speaker and industry consultant, she guides entrepreneurs through every phase of venue development: site selection, historic preservation, budgeting, and sales strategy. When she’s not negotiating leases or scouting her next franchise location, Kate broadcasts from her one-of-a-kind podcast studio (a Cold War–era bunker tucked beneath her flagship venue, Citizens Ballroom) sharing unscripted conversations on revenue, renovation, and the people who make it all possible.
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Gemma
co-hosts The Venue Underground, bringing her razor-sharp operations expertise and logistical finesse to every episode. As Fêtewell’s Operations Director, she offers behind-the-scenes insights on vendor coordination, timeline mastery, and the real-world challenges of bringing historic spaces to life. With Gemma at the mic, listeners get both the big ideas and the reality checks that turn ambitious visions into ever afters.
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Rachel
co-hosts The Venue Underground, serving as Fêtewell’s Chief of People and resident “feeler of feelings.” With her warm empathy and knack for building genuine connections, Rachel brings the human side to every conversation, unpacking team dynamics, client emotions, and the communities that make historic venues come alive.
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