Kosch Catering Reviews

jrose902

Does anyone have and information/advice on Kosch Catering? We want to have our wedding at Lake St. Clair Metropark..we found it to be affordable, really liked the choice of menu from the caterer, and they were flexible with bringing our own food in (we don't really like cake, so we were going to have a family member make pies.) Since then though, the caterer has changed and Kosch has taken over - as they seem to be aquiring all of the metroparks. Right off the bat they told us we can aboslutley not bring in any of our own food, plus the prices seem to be higher, and we were told since no one really has a wedding with the food we want (BBQ), it will be hard to do a tasting. I've looked all over the internet for reviews, and came across 1 or 2 bad ones, but that's it. Any info would be SO helpful!

Ophelia0326

We looked at them too - Indian Springs Metropark has a beautiful site that ultimately proved to be too small for our group. I believe Kosch now has exclusive catering rights for all Metroparks. They have nothing but terrible reviews online, but from what I could tell it was the people themselves more than the food. They also only do buffets, which is not something we were interested in. It just came down to too many dealbreakers for us.

Just Google 'Kosch Catering reviws', and you'll come up with a lot of things like this:
http://local.yahoo.com/info-16249295-kosch-catering-dining-service-rochester

Sue-n-Kevin

There are a few reviews since Kosch Catering took over the catering for the Metro Parks:

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/indian-springs-metro-park-white-lake/7ff320926b1d973d.html

Apparently the prior caterer was wonderful at Metro Park:

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/lake-st-clair-metropark-harrison-township/0aa571e58812c42d.html

Maybe someone needs to get in touch with the Metro Parks and let them know this caterer is going to result in having fewer rentals of their facilities due to the reviews they are getting. It's too bad, because the Metro Parks have wonderful facilities.

No one dares to trash them on their Facebook page though:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kosch-Catering/110321532347526

bbbdockery

I'm so very upset by this change. I LOVE the activity center and wanted to plan my reception there, but now I'm thinking of changing my decision. I think it isn't fair that they are switching catering companies and taking away the option to bring in your own food. It especially would have been nice if they listed this upcoming change on their website.

mbjk29

I am using Kosch Catering at Indian Springs Metro Park on October 5 2012. They only do one tasting a year which was in March which we were not able to attend and no make up tasting. But like you I am doing a BBQ menue and none of the BBQ selections that we wanted were going to be served at the tasting so I wasnt that disappointed about missing it.

Cass, the cordinator that I have been working with, has always responded to my emails/phone calls in a timely manor and has always been professional.

I am bringing in my own cake and as far as I know they dont have a problem with it. Over all I wouldnt choose them if I wasnt forced to. for what they are charging me I have found other caterers that are cheaper and seem to have a better quality food.

good luck with your wedding and I hope this was helpful!

jrose217

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_kosch-catering-reviews?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:eb2a52cb-16d3-4378-bb14-85d4484e62caPost:ae03fbd6-8e51-451d-805c-e3082a4b563f">Re: Kosch Catering Reviews</a>:
[QUOTE]I am using Kosch Catering at Indian Springs Metro Park on October 5 2012. They only do one tasting a year which was in March which we were not able to attend and no make up tasting. But like you I am doing a BBQ menue and none of the BBQ selections that we wanted were going to be served at the tasting so I wasnt that disappointed about missing it. Cass, the cordinator that I have been working with, has always responded to my emails/phone calls in a timely manor and has always been professional. I am bringing in my own cake and as far as I know they dont have a problem with it. Over all I wouldnt choose them if I wasnt forced to. for what they are charging me I have found other caterers that are cheaper and seem to have a better quality food. good luck with your wedding and I hope this was helpful!
Posted by mbjk29[/QUOTE]

Thanks! All the replies are so helpful!

I, myself, have also not had a problem with Cass. He has been very quick to respond to all my questions and doesn't seem bothered at all. He will still not allow us to bring any of our own food whatsoever, but is willing to get pies and other things we want for us (more money for them!)

Like you are saying, my biggest concern is the quality/taste of the food. I'm so leery to serve food to my guests that I haven't had a chance to sample. I haven't heard much about their food in general, so it's definitely a tough decision. We love the Activity Center at Metro Beach and don't want to give it up because of the catering. You'll have to keep me posted on the outcome of your BBQ - apparently we are the minority! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />

Xaler

Ah geez.  We've been looking at Lake St. Clair metropark and had nearly settled on it, then I thought to look up Kosch.  This isn't good.  We're not even in the country so clearly need good customer service and the ability to send someone up on our behalf to do a tasting. 

I'd also appreciate hearing how some of these events go at Indian Springs if anyone has a reception there in the near future.  I thought we were done and made our decision, but now am not so sure...

klsyking

Please - let me know how it goes!  I am in the same situation... my fiance and I really love the look of Indian Springs and want to go there for our wedding, but the reviews are scary!  Please post and tell us how it goes!

mimibrea

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_kosch-catering-reviews?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:eb2a52cb-16d3-4378-bb14-85d4484e62caPost:870ff0c1-0369-4fde-97e1-b443d539f7aa">Re: Kosch Catering Reviews</a>:
[QUOTE]Please - let me know how it goes!  I am in the same situation... my fiance and I really love the look of Indian Springs and want to go there for our wedding, but the reviews are scary!  Please post and tell us how it goes!
Posted by klsyking[/QUOTE]


We went to a coworker of my husbands wedding at Indian Springs two summers ago, Kosch catered it and it was very good.  Big changes since then though, they were allowed to bring in their own alcohol and use Kosch bartenders, not allowed now. We are having our daughters wedding and reception there in May.  We were going to have a popcorn bar, not allowed either.  Absolutly no outside food aside from your wedding cake/cupcakes can be brought in.  I have to admit that, though our friends wedding/reception was super nice, the mixed reviews I've read have made me very nervous.  We are giong with a BBQ menu, without being able to taste it at the taste testing in March but I have faith, I pray, it is great!  Cass has been very quick to respond to all my emails. 

PinwheelCookie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_kosch-catering-reviews?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:eb2a52cb-16d3-4378-bb14-85d4484e62caPost:4b9173c0-ed8c-4251-9a23-9110795d90f4">Re: Kosch Catering Reviews</a>:
[QUOTE]Ah geez.  We've been looking at Lake St. Clair metropark and had nearly settled on it, then I thought to look up Kosch.  This isn't good.  We're not even in the country so clearly need good customer service and the ability to send someone up on our behalf to do a tasting.  I'd also appreciate hearing how some of these events go at Indian Springs if anyone has a reception there in the near future.  I thought we were done and made our decision, but now am not so sure... :(
Posted by Xaler[/QUOTE]

We had our wedding at Indian Springs recently, and it was absolutely beautiful. My experience with Kosch was a bit mixed, however. The communication with Cass, the guy from the sales office, was poor--due to some staffing changes shortly after we booked, we were never told about the once-a-year group tasting. There was no apology until I made it clear that we were NOT happy. (Let me note that I'm usually very forgiving about these kinds of oversights, but for a rather important event like a wedding, a sincere apology up front would have gone a long way.) Cass was able to arrange for us to stop by the kitchen before another wedding and pick up a to-go box of whatever was on the buffet for that night. The food was rather unimpressive, which concerned me at the time.

Ultimately, we picked menu items we hadn't tasted, and they actually turned out FANTASTIC. The food was fresh, hot, and tasty. Several guests commented later about how good it was. I have to give MAJOR credit to Teresa, the catering manager, and her staff. They were so kind and helpful throughout the day, and took excellent care of our guests, especially those with mobility or dietary issues. Teresa called me the week of the wedding to go over details, and she was clearly on top of everything. During the reception, she made a point of telling my parents and me that we were one of the nicest parties she'd worked with, which was very gratifying. So in the end, in spite of a few initial problems, I was very pleased with the results--great food, beautiful setting, and excellent service from the catering staff.

I would definitely recommend the venue, but I would just advise you to be proactive about communicating with the office.

Knottie_22387912

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_kosch-catering-reviews?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:eb2a52cb-16d3-4378-bb14-85d4484e62caPost:d8e57bdb-3966-48d2-a822-b7e9c0e2bd5c">Kosch Catering Reviews</a>:
[QUOTE]Does anyone have and information/advice on Kosch Catering? ....
Posted by jrose902[/QUOTE]

<div>To anyone considering booking a KOSCH Catered event:Here's my story- I hope it's insightful! </div><div>
</div><div>My date is just around the corner - set for May 31, 2013 at Stony Creek Metropark Sunset Terrace. We fell in love with the grounds and couldn't picture anything else. So, despite some worries about not getting to sample the food until March, we decided to book. Fastforward to the once a year tasting, which happened last night.</div><div>
</div><div>I went to the tasting with my fiance, parents, and in-laws. We walked in to see a packed house (it's all the wedding customers for a whole year, after all). People were standing in long buffet lines and hovering over tables because there wasn't close to enough seating. I was embarrassed bringing my parents and in-laws to this chaos. Especially for $50 a head. There was no communication on Kosch's end describing how the event would run before I bought the tickets- I thought we would have a table ready for the 6 of us, at least! While we were there, no one from Kosch came around to answer any questions or see how everything was tasting. Which bring's me to.....</div><div>
</div><div>THE FOOD. Let's just say, the night ended with me crying at my parent's house while they researched any possible alternate plans. We were that disappointed. Out of the 6 of us there, none of us walked away excited about what we could serve at the wedding. It was all mediocre at best (with exception of the prime rib and maple glazed salmon, which we'd have to pay $5 extra per person for). Steve's parents, being Italian, were especially unimpressed with the mostacholi (usually a really save pasta to serve), and underwhlemed with the other pasta options. There wasn't one chicken dish the 6 of us liked; all were prepared in the same bredding with a different sauce. Nothing savory. The beef options were decient, just tough in texture and again, nothing special. Even something as simple as scalloped potatoes and glazed carrots were not cooked all the way through. The cake was from Sam's Club, I'm pretty sure lol. </div><div>
</div><div>I will say this- we all do really love our food, and may be more critical that the average family. But who wants to pay $49 per plate at their reception for "decent" food? </div><div>
</div><div>All in all, I feel pretty trapped. By the time we got to taste the food, it was too late to change plans. At this point, I'm choosing to focus on the beautiful venu and how much fun it will be- regardless of Kosch. </div>

legly

I 100% agree Jessica's review written above. I was also at Kosch's tasting last night and was EXTREMELY disappointed. We had to wait in rediculously long lines to even taste the food, there was no explanation of how the night was supposed to go, and we never even spoke to anyone from Kosch's, nor did we see anyone to speak to.  The food was terrible, and I am nervous about what it will be like at my wedding. All of the meat was tough and dry, and the chicken was definitely all just defrosted with different sauces, as was mentioned above. Some of it was oddly sweet and tasted the way potpourri smells...very "fake" tasting food. The veggies were bland and the pasta was a joke (the macaroni looked like orange soup with noodles floating in it). I have no idea what I am going to choose for my wedding entrees.  With the prices they charge, I would expect to be excited about the food I am serving at my wedding. I think the metroparks should reconsider renewing their contract with Kosch, or should at least have contracts with other caterers to create competition and incentive to provide the best food and service possible.

jessicaruddle1

A couple months ago I posted about a scary tasting experience, and now that the whole process is through, I wanted to provided some more info. My wedding reception was at Sunset Terrace (Stony Creek Metropark), and ceremony at Sheldon Estates on May 31, 2013. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

Once the wedding was handed off to the on site coordinators, my impression of Kosch went from a zero to heroes. Angela and John were both so very helpful with finalizing all of the details as far as how the room as laid out, different creative options to utilize the space, etc. We were there the day before to set up and decorate, and they went above and beyond any little request, were very responsive and friendly, and I knew the wedding day was in good hands.  We used Sheldon Estates for the ceremony cite, and John and his crew must have been out there at least three times in-between rain showers making sure the chairs were dry before the wedding. And during dinner, the wait staff was all very professional and well dressed.

THE BAD NEWS:

While I am so relieved to have worked with John and Angela, and everything turned out beautiful, the planning process prior to that was gut wrenching. Here's the problem- you can't get in touch with the on-site coordinators until 10 days before the wedding. Until that point, you're working with catering people, so you get enough info about the catering options, but you'll be left with a lot of question marks as far as planning the event. If you're going with Kosch, read the packet they provide, and ask a ton of questions upfront- because they didn't check in ONCE with me, even when there was a change in my staff contact person. 

THE FOOD:

After a scary tasting, we decided to go with the BBQ Menu. It was more food for the money, and liked the idea of it being grilled on site for the guests to smell. BEST CHOICE EVER. The guests raved about the delicious 12 oz New York Strip, and really enjoyed the Italian Sausage and Chicken Kabobs. We also got the BBQ Chicken, which was good too. The Red Skins were good, and Steamed Veggies cooked/seasoned well. We used an outside vendor for cupcakes, and I didn't get to try the Peach Cobbler a la mode, but heard good things  

cousino9

Jessica -

Thanks for the helpful reply! I am glad to hear the BBQ menu was a success! I am just starting my planning process, and we really like the Metro Beach site. Before getting too deep - can you share a price range for Kosch? BBQ menu + Bar?

Sounds like your day turned out wonderful!

Melissa

Ames045

I was very hesitant to use Kosch Catering after reading so many negative reviews. They were the contracted caterers for the park we really loved, so we decided to take a chance. Management was great about quickly answering questions. They allowed us to taste test a meal by picking up a carry out box the day of an actual event. They also offered one group taste testing where most all options were available, although it was very crowded with several hundreds of people. Regarding our wedding day and looking back - On-site staff was incredible. We were allowed all the time we needed to set up. We worked with John, and he was so accommodating. We can't say enough about him! He was extremely personable and is truly an asset to the company. We received a lot of compliments on our food, and their presentation was great. Gluten meals, which we paid quite a bit extra for, were not served until quite late and were cold. They also do not let you box up any leftovers after the event (we were told it's a 'law'). Prices seemed fair, but I highly suggest you know your contract inside and out and ask any and all questions. We seemed to accumulate some hidden fees that we weren't aware of - ones that were pretty costly. Unfortunately, this left us a little disappointed in Kosch. Hindsight is always 20/20, but overall, the day worked out.

Katerrific3

I went to one of there open houses to see the site at stony creek metropark sunset terrace. I'M IN LOVE! But not being able to taste the food scares the heck out of me...as well as these are the first negative comments I am seeing about the food...I have seen a few about the staff but not food I'm so nervous because we were looking at one of the more expensive packages. I have not booked with them yet, but we really want that spot. So far communication with the staff via email is great and not being able to finalize plans with the on site coordination until 10 days prior to the wedding is fine with me. What were some of the hidden fees? I was going to ask about set up/tear down of chairs (if the chairs are included in package for the ceremony) as well as a cake cutting fee, bar set up fee, etc. These were all questions recommended to ask in a wedding planning binder I got. Anyway, I will give it some thought. Oh and Jessica...how much was Sheldon Estates?? That's where we are looking