06/08/2024
Today, I celebrate 6 years of clean time! 6 years ago, the Lord radically changed my life when he met me right in the middle of my mess! I encourage you if you've not already, go check out my website, www.atecatering.com, and read the "my story" section. I pray that my story encourages you! Miracles do happen! The Lord still does mighty works and is a good God! He receives all the glory and honor!
I'm excited to be back at Farmer's Day today! We had an epic evening serving folks yesterday! A big thank you to everyone who stopped by and grabbed a bite to eat!!
We will open the windows at 10am!!! It's going to be another beautiful day! Stop by and celebrate with us! Can't wait to see ya'll!
Now, if you've made it this far reading my post... the devil be deviling...trying to derail the weekend and celebration of year #6....but he doesn't have the victory!!
In the 5 years since starting my business, I've always had wonderful customers. Many have supported us since day 1, and we are adding to that # daily. I say that to say this: last night, I received a phone call, not from the customer that booked our services, but from an irate "karen" that was in attendance. She proceeded to yell at me and tell me she had never been to a worse event in her life. The food was cold, no one served them, it was awful, the tables weren't set, there was nothing to serve with, there wasn't any gluten free bread, and she would tell everyone she knew to never use us. She also said she couldn't believe we would just sit hot foods on the table without a warming device. Of course, this shocked me, I said, "Excuse me, we were hired to prepare and deliver the food, not to serve the meal." (I do hope she extends kindness and grace to others this weekend and that all of her rage was taken out on me)
Prior to the evening I had sent a message asking the customer if they were using serving utensils from the venue, as I have catered multiple events at this venue and know that they have a full kitchen with an assortment of utensils, flat ware, plates, ect.., and was told yes.
When booking our services, customers can choose to have us serve their event or just drop their meal off. This event opted for delivery, meaning that we did not use our equipment or staff the event with servers.
The food was delivered at the correct time, the food was delivered hot, and placed on the table with each container being labeled and also a small, disposable chalkboard pick to place in the food once the lids were removed.
The customer and I had conversed twice via telephone yesterday morning. The time for delivery was verified along with the food list being provided. I was told yes to each item, and I asked if anything was missing and was told no. Again, this communication took place a few hours before the delivery, along with the text message regarding the use of the site's serving utensils.
We learn new things every day! Unfortunately, some things have been learned from experiences like this one!
I try very hard to communicate with customers to ensure we execute events flawlessly.
It sucked receiving a phone call last night berating me and the business. It hurt, not going to lie. People are mean and unkind. But today, I am choosing to celebrate my second chance at life, I am going to make awesome food in the food trailer for ya'll today, and I am going to treat people the way I want them to treat me!!!
We transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories through the art of exceptional catering. Our passion for exquisite flavors and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every event we cater becomes a true celebration of taste and sophistication.
