Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/26/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  To Whom It May Concern,
  
  I entered into an agreement with ****** ****** of Carrie B Catering, LLC on November 20, 2023 to cater my retirement party on July 20, 2024. To give some background, I initially tasted his food at a repast for a relative. The menu had sliced brisket, smoked chicken, macaroni and cheese and green beans.
  
  ****** was contracted to provide servers, silverware, glassware, plates, food (brisket, chicken, 2 pans of Mac and cheese, salad, green beans, potatoes and rolls).
  
  My issues are as follows:
  
  1) there was cheap fork on the table for silverware. I was expecting a fork, knife and spoon to go along with my elegant table setting.
  2) the glassware was dropped off but not washed. My event planner washed glassware
  3)My event planner helped served
  4)one of my guest complained the her chicken was raw with blood coming from it
  5) the brisket was cubed and chewy. It was difficult to eat a hunk of meat like that without a knife. I addressed the issue of the chicken and the brisket with him immediately. On the subject of the brisket, he stated that he only slice brisket for 75 people or less. That information was not provided during negotiations.
  6) He ran out of chicken. I paid for 125 guest. Approximately 85 attended. He should not have run out of anything.
  
  I discussed these issues with him via phone and email. The initial email was sent to him on July 21st. We discussed the issues and I asked for a refund. He agreed that a refund would be appropriate and he would follow up on Sunday. There was no follow up. I sent him an email on July 30th requesting a $300 refund. He agreed. I asked for it by Aug 2nd. He stated Aug 24th. He stated that “I am going to make this right”. I sent him a reminder email around Noon on Aug 24th. He sent an email at 10:24 pm indicating he would be done at 11:00 pm and would send it afterwards. I sent an email at 1:15. He indicated that I had threaten and bullied him and he would only speak through my attorney.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/16/2024

  To Whom It May Concern, I’m responding to the complaint in the order given 1-6.  I responded prior to deadline of first complaint letter, during submission an error popped up stating that “information will be edited, or may have exceeded the 30min given to provide information”. The number of attachments allowed will prove the customer demand for refund is due to “expectations” with lack of details, communication, and I have all threads of communication to provide with opportunity given.  
  Customer sent complaint email the day after event, which I did not respond to immediately, but received a call from 2 days or so later. Discussion was pleasant enough to explain life threating health issue with my fiancé, and will need a moment to review everything before coming to a resolution. Customer stated “let’s piggy back on this in 2 weeks” which I agreed, and stated that Sunday evening I should have some free time to follow up. I was not able to contact Sunday night, but knew I had 2 weeks given to resolve the matter. It was only 2 days later.... less than a week from conversation receiving another insulting demanding email. Without given the proper time to look all information over, I wanted to just meet her demands & get it over with......It was after having the time to review all information, inconsistent statements, insults, demands, & threat of lawyer was too much.  
  Metal Silverware Forks (not plastic) was provided, there was no item on menu that required knife & spoon. No communication was ever given from customer nor event planner of color theme. The only details for event given was “It’s an all white party, and they have a kitchen to use if necessary” (attachment #1).   
  Yes, I dropped off all equipment needed the prior day of event for my team to set up upon arrival the day of event. Glasses was new in a tapped box with stickers, so of course we would have to wash them. The event planner asked if she could go ahead and place on table to get it out the way, and I said sure.  
  Yes, Event planner helped serve plates as well as the Director of Venue help plate along with my staff of 3 servers, because customer decided the day of party that she wanted her plated dinner started at 6:30pm instead of 7:00pm that was scheduled. Regardless, event planner & I discussed this on first contact a week prior to the event that I had to initiate.  
  Customer stated in the first email sent (attachment #2) that customer did not provide “That some came to say their chicken was bloody & raw” to complaint letter saying “one of her guests”. There were 2 full catering pans provided with customer stating that hers was good, guests coming to compliment us in our serving area, and now “some” was changed to “one”? That’s inconsistent, not true, & would like evidence to prove it!! Again, her event planner was right there helping serving plates along with venue director.  
  Brisket was cut “burnt-end style” which is our signature, unless customer request for it to be sliced. With all customers during quoting is asked their preference, there is no documentation to prove the conversation being had.... But on our website menus, and hard copy menu shared in email clearly state that full catering pans feed up to 50 guests depending on portions. Customer paid for 125 guests, so it’s easily understood that 2 pans will not feed 125 people. Customer wanted guests to have one option of meat choice with all sides until all was fed, then we could serve seconds if wanted. Customer never came to our station to complain about anything immediately as stated, and again it was 7 of us total working in serving area (3 included event planner, husband, and venue director). I went to dinner area after serving all guests that arrived on time at 6:30pm up to 8:00pm for the late arrivals to check on customer, when told “only had a couple of complaints, but her food was good”.  
  Only reason running out of chicken was due to guests was only to receive 1 meat option, (attachment #3) shows that I texted event planner asking “will there be menu selection cards placed on table for guests to choose from?” Text also show that I volunteered to provide. Answer given from customer in person & planner was “let's just give a little of everything to speed process”. I want to add that we fed her entire staff hired included venue workers after 8pm, that enjoyed the food as well.  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/03/2024

  I've already responded to the 1st complaint letter & attached all supporting documentation, conversations, & email reply. I wish not to go back & forth with complainant nor respond to rejection that doesn't include any additional information from the first complaint to BBW.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/08/2024

  There is no additional i formation to be provided. The issue was ****** ****** agreed to refund me $300 because of the inadequate service he provided for my retirement party. I have already provided documentation to prove that point. Again, just like the initial contract he did not adhere to, he failed to follow through on a promise as well. Obviously, there will be no resolution on this matter via the BBB. Thank you for your assistance.