Toscani Events By Viva

I recently attended my wife's work picnic at the tent at Green Valley. From the minute we walked in, we felt like we were in an oven. The party was attended by over 200 people and from what we were told, which quickly spread throughout the party was that they called two days before to say if they wanted air conditioning, it would be $850 more. With it being 90+ degrees out and a party of that size, I would think that would be included. Apparently not. I commend her work for saying NO. Talk about trying to kick people when they are down. All the sides of the tent were still down, so the inside was an oven You would think they'd at least roll up the sides to get some air flow inside. Nope.



The party started at 11:30 am. There was one small drink station right when you walked in which was completely undersized based on the size of the party. Drinks would run out and the servers would disappear. I actually saw one of the servers filling up pitchers of water in the bathroom. Yes, I'm not lying, I'm sure the health board would be thrilled.



As someone who had worked in the industry for 10 years, I'm always very aware of what goes on, based on my own experiences. It appeared there was no "point of contact". When I used to do large banquets, the person who booked the party and ultimately was the one paying the check knew who the manager was and the head server. I didn't see any of this. I don't fault any of the servers for this. I fault ownership. There should always be a manager walking around, checking every little detail, making sure the drinks are stocked, the tables are cleared, the bathrooms are clean, etc. Walking around talking to the guests. Nothing that I noticed. A good run organization starts with well trained employees and good solid management. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that.



Now, let's get to the food. The party started at 11:30am, the food wasn't served until 12:45pm. I really have to ask if Viva also does the meals for the Berks County Prison, because that's what I thought I was eating, prison food at best. There was absolutely no organization at the buffet line. Things would run out, and 10 minutes later a server would appear with a small amount that ultimately ran out again a few minutes later. Again, no manager making sure everything was stocked and running smooth. In the end, they ran out of food and I know that there were a lot of very unhappy guests because of this. Somehow, then a tray of wraps appeared, that I think they ran and got from the Surefine down the road. One of the guests at my table told me the exact same thing happened a few weeks ago when he was there for a church picnic. Interesting isn't it?



In the end, I'm glad that I don't have any immediate weddings or functions to attend, so I know I won't be forced to go back. If I were someone in the market for a location for a party or wedding, I would consider my options, as I feel there are plenty of other options out there that will be much more organized and well run. It's one thing to pay $60 for dinner for two and have a bad experience, it's another thing to have a very important day like a wedding or a work picnic to give thanks to your employees and you end up having to go through what all of us went through.



This could be a really neat place, but from everything I saw, they have no clue what they are doing. In the end, I think the Sheetz down the road is the winner, as I know a few people from our function ended up going there after the party to get food and drinks