Alexis Catering

While the food provided by Alexis catering was very good and the serving staff the night of our wedding reception was wonderful, our experience with the management (including the owner), has necessitated a poor review of this business. The following are the details of the poor customer service we received.
1.Contract negotiation
We began negotiating our event contract with Amanda in May and were very satisfied with her communication and customer service.
In July, when she left, our communication went silent in spite of our attempt to contact the management in August and September.
I received first contact from Heidi on October 1 (less than 6 weeks from the requirement of a final, unalterable contract) with a proposed catering contract. We met with Heidi on October 16 and made changes and requests. It was not until this meeting, when I asked directly, that we were informed that Amanda was not longer working for Alexis Ventures.
We clearly experienced, since the staffing change, that all previous conversations, commitments, and plans that we had with Amanda were ignored and rewritten. It fell on us to figure out the changes and attempt, usually unsuccessfully, to right the situation to what we had originally been promised. No accommodations were made to honor previous commitments and, in fact, were met with staunch rudeness.
In the end, we felt taken advantage of financially and that our business was not important to this business.
2. Set-​up
We left Davis at 9:30 AM to meet the staff member in charge of our morning set up at the venue at 10 AM as scheduled. As we left, I phoned him. I, quite obviously, woke him He had no idea who I was or why I was calling. He said he would be over to venue as soon as he could. After 11 AM, he showed up, Starbucks in hand.
The venue was not set up as we were promised. WE set up all of the chairs and linens ourselves. This was over an hour after we were supposed to be let in to set up ONLY our centerpieces, flowers, etc. We were not financially compensated for this lack of service.
We were never offered an apology and were treated as though it was OUR fault for inconveniencing him and by the owner for not being understanding.
3. Beginning of Reception
My guests were left to stand in the cold for over half an hour. Security would not even allow them in the building until 5 o’clock. As the hosts, we were not let into the venue until almost 5. We brought in our guests with us to allow them to warm up in the lobby.
Our event was scheduled to begin at 5 PM. The bar was not open until after 5:30 PM. When our guests arrived at 5, they were still setting up the bar. Over 100 guests stood in the cold of the Underground Lounge for over half an hour before they were able to get beverages. It was embarrassing.
The owner claims, though we have almost 100 guests to support our claims, that the bar was open promptly at 5 PM. This is the another example of the lack of good customer service we received.
5. Dinner
The children (we had many SMALL children) were not served until well-​after the adults had received all of their food. At the adult tables, parents shared their food to prevent tantrums. At the kids’ tables, chaos ensued making most of the food for the older kids (which should have been for 6 kids) distributed for over 22 kids while the younger ones waited for their food. As a result, the older kids did not get enough to eat. Many complained the children’s dishes were cold and «gross.»
In the end, our complaints were answered with no apology or even minor financial compensation for the inconveniences. We will certainly not be doing business with them again and will advise those who ask to take their business elsewhere.
I’ve contracted a lot of venues for events from 20 – 500 people and this is the worse experience I’ve had in terms of dealing with management customer service.

Alexis Catering did a fabulous job in providing food for our wedding. We chose the heavy h’orderves option for our 65 guest. We had not only an ample amount of food, but it was really tasty. Everyone was pleased and full. I would recommend them for any occasion. I would also higher them again for any other event. Can’t go wrong with Alexis Catering. Thank you for a wonder experience… You Rock!

Alexis Catering catered our wedding reception and we were extremely happy with the process. They make it easy to put together a menu and are flexible with changes. Our concept was to have a variety of small plates and they made it happen! The food was delicious, warm and presentation exceeded our expectations. The staff was friendly and welcoming and even helped us with a few last minute requests.
Our bartender was a superstar! She was quick at serving our guests and even helped us distribute cake. I want to thank her for all her help and creating our «signature cocktail» of the night!
They definitely have the right balance of quality and customer service I was looking for!

I am a guest at the AWCP Holiday Party being catered by Alexis Catering. The food was served cold, hap-​hazardly and with no sense of propriety. The flavor of the food itself was not bad, but when there is fifteen minutes or more between the first person at the table getting their plate and the last person getting their plate, that is horrible service. The food was literally cold to the touch. Ever tried filet mignon cold on a plate? How about salmon? It’s awful! I feel sorry for the AWCP organization as I heard they pay a high price or the catering and they were forced to use Alexis Catering, because the owner is half owner of the Elks Tower Ballroom. I will say this one thing and it is the only reason I gave even one star and that is the employees of Alexis. They were polite and kind and very good.