iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%95+51.8Reliability 24%87+21.1Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%20+1.4Experts Score= 88Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.88SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#42 of 111 caterersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 63%
4.9★★★★★209 Google reviews · 24 photos
98%five-star reviews
4.83★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate John Claude Exclusive Catering 4.9 out of 5 based on 209 reviews, with the owner replying to none. Customers frequently praise the food quality, professional staff, and helpful communication during planning, noting that the service accommodates various event types and dietary needs. However, a few low-star reviews criticize delivery orders for arriving cold or undercooked, citing poor temperature control and unprofessional conduct during drop-offs.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 209 reviews (98% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 209 Google reviews (200 with written comments, 10 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: Caterer serving Jersey City, New Jersey.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other caterers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: replies to reviews.
This companyCaterers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.John Claude Exclusive Catering: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
95
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.John Claude Exclusive Catering: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
87
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.John Claude Exclusive Catering: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.John Claude Exclusive Catering: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.John Claude Exclusive Catering: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.John Claude Exclusive Catering: 20/100 on this factor. Category median: 31.D
20
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
209 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars20598%
4 stars10%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star31%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 200 written reviews
97%praise
Praise37597%
Complaints133%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude11129%
Would recommend9424%
Quality & results5614%
Speed & response4211%
Price & value3810%
Communication328%
Honesty & trust154%
What customers talk about
We read 200 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She was extremely helpful, and made herself available to meet our schedule during our busy wedding season as we were planning.”
“We hired John Claude Catering for our wedding on 10/10/26, and they exceeded every single expectation!”
“Stay away at all costs!”
“On the wedding day, the waitstaff and bartenders were polite and hardworking, they all deserve to be recognized for their exceptional service.”
“Horrible food”
“She is helpful, responsive, and enthusiastic about your event.”
“There were many options to choose from and the prices were affordable during a time when it feels like you are spending so much money.”
“Throughout the whole planning process she was extremely accommodating, so easy to work with, and very communicative.”
“…eat), so there were options for all guests without compromising the integrity of the food.…”
People customers mention
Kristi79 reviews
Lisa6 reviews
Frank5 reviews
Regina5 reviews
Brooklyn4 reviews
Maria4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
JJessica8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 days ago★★★★★
John Claude catering is amazing! They have such a great food selection, and the food itself was extremely tasty. However, the best part of this catering business was its representative, Kristi. She was extremely helpful, and made herself available to meet our schedule during our busy wedding season as we were…
MMarisa4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
We can’t say enough wonderful things about this catering company! They were amazing from start to finish and helped make our wedding celebration so special. The food was delicious, the staff was professional and attentive, and everything ran smoothly. We received so many compliments from our guests! We are so…
KKaty12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We just used John Claude catering for our wedding and are super happy with the whole thing. Kristi was easy to communicate with and set up our plan. We did a buffet style and the food was great. The servers were absolutely amazing and took great care of everything start to finish. I highly recommend these folks!
GGeordanneLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We used John Claude for our wedding. Food was phenomenal, staff were amazing. Everything went so smooth and all of our guests raved about how good the food was. Thank you guys for being a part of our special day!
MMarilyn5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I highly recommend John Claude Exclusive Catering. They catered my daughter's bridal shower on Saturday, and it was a 10 out of 10 in all areas. The food was absolutely delicious. My guests raved about how tasty everything was. The servers, Michelle and Lisa, were simply the best. They set everything up…
AAngelina5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
We had John Claude Catering for our wedding and they were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. The food was amazing, the staff were so friendly, and Kristi was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was so communicative about everything and she helped in ways I didn’t even think of. 10/10 recommend for any event.
John Claude catering is amazing! They have such a great food selection, and the food itself was extremely tasty. However, the best part of this catering business was its representative, Kristi. She was extremely helpful, and made herself available to meet our schedule during our busy wedding season as we were planning. She helped us each step of the way, and even helped us to save money wherever we could. She ran our food tasting, and also was the lead at our wedding. She made sure that we were fed, and she planned out every little detail to ensure that my husband did not receive any shellfish. I would use this catering company for any event that I have. They are truly exceptional!
M
Meagan Brenner3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Meagan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We hired John Claude Catering for our wedding on 10/10/26, and they exceeded every single expectation! From our initial tasting to the final bite on the big day, the entire team was professional, organized, and an absolute pleasure to work with, especially Kristi!! She is definitely in the right business and such a sweet and professional person to work with. She made sure the day went smoothly and even added in her own touch for decorations which was very much appreciated.
The food was incredible—our guests are still raving about the roast beef with garlic parmesan sauce and the eggplant, especially me!!! There were many options to choose from and the prices were affordable during a time when it feels like you are spending so much money. I do not regret spending a single penny on the catering and would use them again in a heartbeat! They even had coffee service at the end of the night which all the guests enjoyed!
On the wedding day, the waitstaff and bartenders were polite and hardworking, they all deserve to be recognized for their exceptional service. The bartenders had our drinks ready every time we approached the bar and all my guests loved interacting with them.
I highly recommend hiring through John Claude Catering, you won’t be disappointed.
M
Marisa Weber4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We can’t say enough wonderful things about this catering company! They were amazing from start to finish and helped make our wedding celebration so special. The food was delicious, the staff was professional and attentive, and everything ran smoothly. We received so many compliments from our guests! We are so grateful for their outstanding service and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a wonderful catering experience!
I
Isabelle Cerami5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Isabelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot recommend this company enough!! I had the pleasure of working with Kristi to help cater my wedding and she was absolutely incredible! Throughout the whole planning process she was extremely accommodating, so easy to work with, and very communicative. We had our wedding on an island that required a boat to get to it, and not only was she willing to do that for us but she seemed excited to help make it all happen. She was extremely organized, meeting with us multiple times and making sure she had every detail of our day down prior to the day of. Anything we asked for she helped to make it happen without hesitation. Not only did her and her team provide amazing food and service, but they help set up and break down pretty much our whole event. She made sure that my husband and I were well fed throughout the night, setting aside a plate of the passed hors dourves for us while we were busy talking to everyone during cocktail hour, bringing us each a plate filled with the buffet food as soon as dinner started, and even making sure we each had our signature drinks throughout the night! Everything went so smoothly the day of and I cannot thank her and her team enough for their hard work!!!
K
Katy Norell12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Katy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We just used John Claude catering for our wedding and are super happy with the whole thing. Kristi was easy to communicate with and set up our plan. We did a buffet style and the food was great. The servers were absolutely amazing and took great care of everything start to finish. I highly recommend these folks!
G
Geordanne BrennaLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Geordanne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We used John Claude for our wedding. Food was phenomenal, staff were amazing. Everything went so smooth and all of our guests raved about how good the food was. Thank you guys for being a part of our special day!
M
Marilyn Smith5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marilyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I highly recommend John Claude Exclusive Catering. They catered my daughter's bridal shower on Saturday, and it was a 10 out of 10 in all areas. The food was absolutely delicious. My guests raved about how tasty everything was. The servers, Michelle and Lisa, were simply the best. They set everything up beautifully, served everything with a smile, and offered to help in any way I needed. Kristi, the Director of Sales, is a pleasure to work with. She is helpful, responsive, and enthusiastic about your event. I could not have wished for a better experience. Do yourself and your guests a favor and give John Claude Exclusive Catering a call for your next event!!
A
Angelina Pierre5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Angelina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had John Claude Catering for our wedding and they were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. The food was amazing, the staff were so friendly, and Kristi was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was so communicative about everything and she helped in ways I didn’t even think of. 10/10 recommend for any event.
T
Tegan Berry6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tegan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had such a great experience working with Kristi and her team for my sisters wedding this June. The team asked all the right questions and pivoted with us when we had to adjust to rain plans and back again. They are true professionals and made a large part of the day feel well taken care of. They were always a step ahead of me making sure everything was just right. On top of that the food was incredible! Loved working with them and highly recommend.
K
Kristy Barbosa18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kristy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
