San Pedro Village Event Center — Attraction in San Antonio

This complaint is strictly focused on the unprofessional business practice of Mr. Jaime Joaquin. One day prior to my niece's Sweet 16 Party he dropped a bomb over our heads informing us that our paid in full 200 guest event would have to be relocated. He stated that the new owner of the San Pedro Village Event Center, Debbie had notified him the night prior. He never gave a clear answer as to why only that it involved some financial dispute between he and Debbie. He stated Debbie had booked another event that evening when ours had been booked 8 months prior and PAID IN FULL. Since the contract between them was only verbal it held no power to follow through with ours. After a discussion that involved much grief, disbelief and shock he directed us to a venue a few blocks from his ?co-owner Old San Juan Restaurant & Discotek. The place was a few blocks down on Walzem Rd. It was an old abandoned bowling alley where one side is currently being used for gun shows. The place was filthy, smelly and disgusting. My husband, sister and myself demanded he come up with a comprable or better venue than what we paid for and expected. He asked us to give him two hours while he made some calls and searched for a new venue. Two hours later he sent us to ZaZa Gardens where we agreed to proceed. Because we were informed that Mr. Joaquin had offered them less of what they asked we were left to feel this transaction might not go through. My sister called him to inform him we wanted a new written contract and he asked to meet again 3 hours later. He showed up late with a blank sheet of lined paper, no contract! He stated he was going to write up the changes and sign it, he did not even have a pen! I was appalled and in disbelief. When we informed him that we had spoken to Debbie and obtained her side of the story he became irrate stood up and walked toward his car stating "I'm done, just sue me". At that point I walked away as I could not stomach another moment with that man and my husband and sister took over. I heard my sister say "you can't walk away from my daughter". The event itself did turn out beautiful, the food was palpable and I have no complaints on that, he did pull through. It is his lack of respectful communication skills, the choices he made that created a horrific experience. He was defensive, selfish (repeating how much sleep he'd lost), inability to validate how we felt and dared to threaten by walking away. I want to expose his truth, do not trust this man and definitely do NOT pay in full prior...

Had my daughter's Sweet 16 event here and definitely will keep this venue in mine for future events. Mari and her team are amazing and helpful in planning out your special event. I had to postpone the event a year back due to the pandemic and Mari understood the situation and was still able to fulfill my expectations a year later. I got so many compliments during the event how organized the event was and alot of compliments on the food was delicious. (Brisket plate) also how delicious was the cake was. The DJ was also amazing and organized as well. I want to Thank Mari and her team for making my event special for my daughter. I will definitely use her again. Not to mention the decorations and setup were beautiful. ONE THING MARI KEPT TELLING ME JUST COME IN AND ENJOY YOUR EVENT AND DONT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING WAS A WONDERFUL THING TO HEAR I HAD NO STRESS DURING THE NIGHT I DIDN'T HAVE TO REMIND OR ASK ANYONE WHAT WAS NEXT. I GOT TO SIT DOWN, EAT AND ENJOY THIS SPECIAL MOMENT. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...

Had my granddaughters Sweet 16 a couple weeks ago at San Pedro Event Center. Went flawlessly!! Mary did a fantastic job with the decorations, candy table, fruit table and much more. The servers were refilling drinks, clearing off tables and serving those who walked in. More than enough space for the dance floor even with about 200 guests....