If you value dependability and character, this is not the place for it. Let me begin by laying out a few details essential to the timeline of events. On Valentine's Day 2024, my French bulldog Jackson was diagnosed with lymphoma. I spent the next eight months ensuring he had the best quality of life possible. Jackson lost his battle to lymphoma on October 11, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. This is why it has taken me some time to review my experience with CuVee's and Chef Ivory. As a Yelp Elite Gold Member and attorney, I take feedback seriously. I aim to be fair, honest, and accurate in recounting what transpired.
For my 40th birthday, I planned a large celebration with a live wrestling show at my home on October 12. I invited 50 friends and family from across the country to mark this milestone. I requested quotes from local caterers on Yelp, and CuVee's responded on September 4, asking me to come to the restaurant for a consultation. I was simply seeking catering options and pricing, but Chef Ivory insisted we meet in person. I scheduled a consultation for September 5 at 1 p.m., despite the two-hour round-trip drive from my home in Champions.
When I arrived at the locked restaurant at 12:55 p.m., I called the number on the building. No answer. I left a voicemail, sent a message through Yelp, and eventually found another contact number online. Chef Ivory finally answered and directed me to a side door. This lack of preparation was frustrating and should have been my first warning, as it was the first of many such instances leading up to the week of the party. During the meeting, Chef Ivory sketched ideas on a notepad and assured me he had a large, capable team to deliver an amazing experience. His pitch included two action stations--pasta cooked to order and Philly cheesesteaks featuring authentic Philly buns--during the wrestling show, followed by a dinner buffet with fried catfish, wings, mac and cheese, greens, cornbread, and funnel cakes for dessert.
Excited by the menu, I wanted to sample the food. Chef Ivory invited me to brunch, advising me to come early at 10 a.m. before it got busy. He promised to arrange a reservation for me and friends, asking me to text his personal number. That afternoon, I texted him as instructed, but received no response. After following up on Yelp, he finally confirmed a reservation for September 14.
I attended the brunch with two friends, including one who is a well-traveled foodie. We ordered fried catfish, wings, red beans and rice, greens, mac and cheese, mimosas, and oysters. The fried catfish and tartar sauce were outstanding, and the mimosas and oysters also stood out. The greens, beans, and cornbread were average, while the mac and cheese was solid. Overall, we enjoyed the meal and spent about $250. Chef Ivory checked in on us a few times, and I reminded him I still hadn't received the catering estimate. He apologized, citing a last-minute Prairie View event for 800 people.
Despite multiple excuses, I finally received the estimate on September 18 after persistent follow-ups. I immediately confirmed CuVee's for my party and ordered custom Philly rolls from a friend in Philadelphia for the cheesesteak station. Chef Ivory emailed confirmation the same day, stating my event was on the calendar. Based on this, I finalized other party details while caring for Jackson, whose health was rapidly declining.
The week of the party arrived with no updates from CuVee's. Concerned, I emailed on October 9 about logistics. His response was devastating: "Justin, when I didn't hear from you, I thought you went in another direction. This late of date staffing is almost impossible. If you can possibly move your time back, I may be able to work something out. Or maybe even drop food off. My apologies for the confusion. Hope things work out."
I was shocked. He had confirmed my event weeks earlier. His failure to follow through left me scrambling for catering just two days before my party. I rushed to various businesses, trying to piece together a menu while spending less time with Jackson, who passed away the night before the party. The stress and heartbreak of losing my beloved dog were compounded by this unnecessary chaos.
Ultimately, CuVee's sold me a dream for my milestone birthday and failed to deliver. Chef Ivory's poor communication, repeated excuses, and apparent prioritization of higher-paying gigs caused immense stress and disappointment. I cannot recommend this business to anyone looking for reliability, integrity, and professionalism. You deserve better. read more