Couture Cakes By Nika — Restaurant in Virginia

The first rule of any business is CUSTOMER SERVICE! And Couture Cakes by Nika COMPLETELY FAILS this basic requirement. Please consider using Scratch Bakery in Newport News instead--better taste, better prices, and MUCH BETTER service!

Long read ahead: The first time I reached out to them was in person. I was told that Nika, the baker and owner, was in the back making a cake, but I could leave the design and she would call back later that day or the next day. This was on a Friday. I never heard from them again! So I called back the following Tuesday and spoke with a gentleman who assured me that Nika had seen my design, would be available for the date I needed, and gave me the starting prices. He also assured me that she would call me back later that day to finalize the order. I never heard from them again, AGAIN! So I went in Thursday (two days later!) and asked to speak to the baker Nika, but was informed that she was unavailable due to workload. Which is fine--I understand small businesses might be understaffed and people get busy. But I was EXTREMELY displeased about the lack of communication (as the party was getting ever closer), and explained as much to the young lady at the front desk. She assured me she would personally see to getting back to me, and she did, later that afternoon (the first time Couture Cakes had actually stuck to their word in this regard). At this point, I was informed that Nika could NOT, in fact, do my design (due to workload), but might be able to do something simpler. So I asked if I could meet with the baker to discuss, and was told that it was okay to come by after five o'clock. So I did, and the gentleman went to get Nika out of the back. She entered the room with the nastiest little attitude that I had seen from anyone in some time. I greeted her and got a terse, mumbled, two word response. Who talks to their customers/potential new business/POSSIBLE REVENUE this way?! The conversation only went downhill from there. I asked what simpler designs she could do, and she told me only a sheet cake, and told me she didn't know why any of the other employees didn't tell me that; all the while never losing her disgusting tone or patronizing manner! I was so thoroughly disgusted with her terrible rapport and the company's shady communication habits that I told her "Thank you", turned around, and left. And took my business and my money elsewhere. I suggest you do the same! You can find another bakery, one that actually seems interested and eager to take your order or work with you to help you realize your vision. As I mentioned earlier, I personally suggest Scratch Bakery in Newport News--I found BETTER TASTE (had nothing to do with the poor service at Couture. Scratch's cakes just taste better); BETTER PRICE (for my entire original design, at that); and most importantly FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, and COMMUNICATIVE staff who helped me address all of my concerns and get my cake ordered. Needless to say, I will not consider Couture Cakes by Nika for any future business, and will discourage anyone who asks, including you, from wasting your...

I was very disappointed with this place. I have ordered cupcakes from them before at festivals and they were very nice (It was always a guy I spoke with) and the cupcakes were great. This time I decided to order a cake for my daughter's birthday. I miss the old style bakeries that were around when I was growing up and I always like to support local shops when I can. I wanted a special cake and so I picked this place. They had a cake book and I picked out an adorable pink cake with black zebra stripes. The man I ordered it from said it would look just like the photo but would be made with buttercream frosting instead of fondant. I said ok. He said it would be ready to pick up today at 6pm as they are closed tomorrow and tomorrow is the party. I went to pick up the cake and the cake they handed me was not the cake I ordered. It was black and white with some sort of zebra stencil on the side and a large pink bow and had black and white hard candy beads all around it. My daughter has braces and these candy things would ruin her teeth. It also had white hearts all over it which I did not ask for. I was very upset and in a bind as the party is tomorrow but this is not the cake I ordered.They were not very understanding and kept arguing about the cake I ordered. There seems to be a lack of communication between ordering the cake and the person that actually makes the cake. I would be very wary ordering a cake from them and make sure you actually speak to the person who makes the cake or you could end up with an unpleasant surprise and not a lot of (if any) time to fix it. I ended up getting my money back and picking up a cake from dairy queen instead. This is not what I wanted to do but at least there, I got...

Deserves ABSOLUTELY zero stars!!! Nika the owner is very rude and has very very poor customer service. I called inquiring about pricing and how everything works in regard to the alcohol infused cupcake for an adult surprise birthday party. Long story short she was very cut throat dry and seemed as if me calling was impeading on her day to day activities. I had to pry certain questions out of her. As a business owner myself one thing you should always do is sell sell sell your product. Nika did the exact opposite! Nika then decides to ask me do I want to place an order in and with frustration I reply," I would like to place an order but I really wasn't given any information so thank you but no." Before hanging up the owner haha decides to say something under her breath and hangs up. I called the store back to speak to a manager only to find out that the interaction I just incountered was with the owner. To my disbelief I mention to her that that was very poor customer service and that she didn't have to be rude towards me. Ms. Nika proceeds to say I then was being rude and smart to her... How Sway?! I tried to do my part in the community and support local businesses and show support but based off of her unsatisfactory customer service and a pleathera of NEGATIVE reviews( I failed to take a look at before I called) I will NEVER spend my money here and I will make sure my business partners, family, and friends stay clear of this establishment. I strongly recommend that Ms. Nika whips up and bakes a nice batch of humble pie served with a side of better phone etiquette and a sprinkle of proper...