Michelle L.
Yelp
Update: I received a notification that the business refunded $40.00. I am escalating this matter and will update when I receive a resolution.
We were extremely disappointed in our experience with Melanated Wine. First, a little background.
My husband and I came to Melanated Wine for their Sunday Brunch. We purchased our tickets for this brunch almost three weeks in advance, and they had an advertised menu of chicken, macaroni & cheese, collards, fruit, mimosas.. etc... This menu sounded great, so we booked the tickets.. We also were excited about purchasing wine from them to boot.
When we arrive, the atmosphere was nice, a little too intimate for our taste, but whatever. The event started later than advertised, but not a dealbreaker. The music was on point, so we just went with it.
Everything was flowing pretty well ( mimosas and all) until we get to the buffet. What was on the buffet? Drumroll please!!! Bacon, eggs, Sausage, BREAKFAST potatoes, grits, fruit, French Toast, and dessert. This is a far cry from what was advertised!!!
At first, we were confused. We initially thought they were going to bring the other items out since what they served was more breakfast than brunch, so I asked a server.
The server told me it was a different company who had the chicken menu. Her explanation made no sense, so I showed her the advertised menu, which was posted online. She told me to give her a moment.
Sometime later, the owner came out to let us know of the menu change, and it was well after everyone started eating. She said she hoped everyone was okay with that. I was NOT okay with that!!! We didn't pay $45.00 per person to eat a breakfast I could have cooked at home. I let the owner know that I needed to speak with her, but I was cognizant of the fact that she was busy. I waited until the end to ask for her again. I was told that she was eating, so I made it clear that I would wait for her to finish. She then came by pretty quickly.
We went outside to talk. I professionally but firmly made my dissatisfaction known. During this time, she asked if we ate the buffet and partook in the wine tasting. She then offered us a partial refund, so that there was no misunderstanding, I clarified with her how much that was, and she said she meant $20.00.
I was very insulted by this and do not mind sharing with Yelp that I was pissed!! The company misrepresents the menu and doesn't even acknowledge this until we are well into the meal and only offers $20.00. Her justification was we participated in the wine tasting. Madame we would have NEVER come in the first place if this was the posted menu and why didn't you tell us of the menu change before the event. You had time as the event was almost 15 minutes late!!
I firmly but politely let it be known that was NOT sufficient. I let her know that a 50 percent refund was my expectation, which was generous considering this was their error, a BIG error!!
She smiled and offered a comment that I personally felt was patronizing. I didn't feel like my issue was resolved, and it came across like she thought she was doing me a favor. I left before this could get heated. If I get my refund, I will update this post!
Bottom Line: I felt this business deceived me with what they advertised. There was NO disclaimer on the menu saying that the menu was subject to change. It also never mentioned a wine tasting. Typically wine tastings are offered as a promotion to encourage you to buy wine. This was not a valid reason to justify her partial refund.
To be fair, most people didn't care about the menu change. It looked like we were the only ones speaking up, but whatever if they want to pay for an expensive breakfast good for them, no chance of us letting this slide. No, we won't be back!!! No, we did not purchase wine, as we were not giving them anymore money at this point!!
I was told by a few people to give them a break because they are a black owned business. (Yes, I am black!!!) No, business is business!! If you are in the wrong, you need to be held accountable, period.
See the photos of what was advertised and what was served!!