Grateful Palate Catering & Events

Zero Stars.

I have been a Director of Events Sales for the past 15 years, working for hotels and restaurant groups in New York, Texas and Los Angeles Markets - and I have never provided such poor customer service. Worst customer's service I have ever experienced trying to book a private event. Entitled, lazy and presumptuous.

It took me weeks to establish contact with catering sales team - no one picks up the phone, nor calls back. Several inquiries sent through email at no avail. Once replied, sales manager had an attitude as she was doing us a favor. Catering Sales Manager Tatiana Ichenko would only call me back if I left a complaint message for the restaurant's Director of Food & Beverage. The message would never reach him.

We were planning our children's birthday party and considered the space due to venue's footprint and on-site F&B service. We have quite a setup that requires a lot of time due to number of vendors. I was able to get ONE phone call with Tatiana, and when I asked for more time for setup (venue offers 2 hours prior event start time) she responded with "I have over 300 events per month in this space and everyone is able to setup within a 2 hour window". Tatiana didn't even ask what the setup comprised of - or tried to work with me whatsoever.

Nevertheless - I asked for a contract. When trying to setup a site visit - Tatiane (an events/hospitality professional) could only show the space during business hours. For those not familiar, events sales professionals often show spaces as early as 8am and as late as 6pm, to accommodate clients. I asked for 8 - 8:30 am window or anytime after 5pm. She would not respond to my messages and keep asking for business hours visits. I am the client and I work business hours. Tatiana also offered to show the space in facetime - which is completely unnecessary as venue has a 3D walk through on its website. I needed to measure space and see flow in person.

After having emails ignored by Tatiana - I tried to call the restaurant again to speak with the general manager. Left a message, and once again Tatiana called me - this time asking me why do i keep calling the restaurant - which I responded due to her lack of professionalism and response. She then proceeded to tell me that the venue wasn't right for me. The level of petulance and disregard to customers, people that are bringing you business and your 1% commission is out of control.