Foundry On Whyte — Local services in Edmonton

We were extremely excited for this event (Dining in the Dark @ Foundry on Whyte, purchased though the Fever app). Due to COVID, the dates changed a couple of times (original booked date mid-April), which was understandable. Our final date was June 29 at 6pm. We arrived at 6:10 along with another couple for a double date. There was a lineup to get in and get seated, took about 10 minutes. Once we were seated, we were offered a choice of drink - red/white wine or beer. As it was 38 degrees outside, the men opted for a beer, while the 2 ladies for a cold white wine. The 2 beers were both warm (as in not cooled at all) and served from the can, while the wine was lukewarm (not room temperature but lukewarm). Neither were chilled AT ALL. The men both requested a new beer, cold this time, while we asked for a big glass of ice to put in our 4 oz white wine. Then we had to request a spoon to scoop the ice into our glass. Immediately after we were instructed to put the blindfolds on, and appetizers were brought in. We ordered the seafood choice while the men had the red meat. Our appy was precisely 3 small bites. The plate it was served in was the size of a coffee cup saucer (blindfolded we had to feel around). Within 2 minute of receiving AND finishing that, we were asked if we’d like another drink ($7 for additional drinks, as only 1 was included with the price). The entrée was served also. Plates were this time the size of appetizer plates, and while the entrée was tasty, it was barely there. Also there was nothing special or unique about the taste, fairly bland white fish, asparagus, some potatoes and garnish. Not seafood as advertised. Men’s dinner was steak which was about 5 oz. We had asked the waitress to take a picture of us during the entrée as a memory so we could afterwards see whether our assessment was correct - which it was. Dessert came immediately after, and barely were the plates cleared that we were instructed to remove our blindfolds. We were asked how everything was, and the bill was placed on the table. We were joking that ok now that the blindfold experience was over, can we get our dinner? THAT WAS IT! Precisely 30 minutes from when we sat down to when we stood up. 30 minutes’ dinner for 4 that cost $320.00. We all had to go have dinner afterwards. ACTUAL dinner, not appetizers. Please, do not waste your money! Service was poor and fast, drinks were warm, dinner mediocre and excessively small, and for $320.00 you can have an INCREDIBLE entire evening out for 4 elsewhere, not 30 minutes...

Venue: The Foundry Room - Whyte Avenue. Despite their horrible organization and communication skills we still had a beautiful wedding. The details I’m about to list didn’t even get noticed by our guests and I am purely writing this review to warn caution to future brides. We had a 50 person wedding and it was pretty snug, we are glad it was nice weather and we had the extra space on the patio. Washrooms were clean and spacious.

Venue required full payment 30 days before event, I had to chase them to organize payment and they didn’t respond quickly or have my correct wedding date when they finally did answer. Super stressful, they answered my emails at 2:30 am…

Communication, sub par, emails took sometimes up to a week to be answered. Coordinator told us 3 days before the wedding she would not be present day of, which I found very odd. Thank goodness we hired a day of coordinator. When we originally booked this venue DJ Kwake company was the resident wedding DJ.. they ended that contract. Did not let us know and tried charging us the same about for the new DJ company who has lower pricing. They offered us a $250 refund ( which I have yet to receive) They opened almost ALL our alcohol, we can’t return most of it. 3 different bottles of vodka, wines, cases of beer. They did not have a wine bottle opener. Bartender was absent several times while guests waited to order drinks. Again I think due to shortage of staff. The beginning of the evening, cocktail hour started with one bartender and a few hours later a different person came in and took over. We supplied lemons and limes AND a knife, none of that was readily available. I went to the bar to do a tequila with my sisters, asked for a lemon and the bartender told me they didn’t have lemons?? Very short staffed, guests and my photographer were clearing plates after dinner. I was told they would make a nice bar menu, turns out it was just a typed and printed piece of paper. An old bar menu from a previous event still hanging over the bar. My cake maker told us that when she dropped the cake off and asked the staff for a spoon she was treated very poorly and the staff member went behind the bar acting irritated and was throwing stuff around looking for the spoon. Also, allegedly screaming at other staff. Yes, there were a lot of little things that need to be addressed and they should do better.. but we still had a wonderful day and still living on that newlywed cloud!

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I strongly advise against booking with The Foundry Room. My experience has been nothing short of frustrating and disappointing.

I booked their OEX venue for my wedding. However, in 2024, they informed me they could no longer fulfill their obligation. Under Alberta contract law, a business that cancels its services is required to refund any deposits. Despite multiple emails, texts, and follow-ups, my refund request has been ignored. I have attempted to contact: *Jody Seremet (Owner) *Grace Victor (Accounting Department) *Marcus Williams (Lender) *Naomi Otogbolu (New business partner at Luxe Events and Interiors)

Not one of them has provided any resolution or communication regarding my refund. I have been more than reasonable and patient, yet I have been met with complete silence and avoidance. I feel it’s important to warn others before they risk losing their money to this business. If you have an upcoming event booked with The Foundry Room, I strongly urge you to confirm your venue and demand any owed refunds immediately. I sincerely hope this review helps others avoid the stress and financial loss I am...