Is BVS limited to the Louisville area only?

Nope. While the company was founded in Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati are currently growing and adding their own news and events to their calendars. We also encourage everyone to participate in events in either city to see what great attractions we have in such a small radius. When possible, transportation and carpooling will be an option to help facilitate movement between our fair cities.

What’s the difference between an online subscription and a full BVS Membership?

An online subscription allows you access to all our insider information as well as the opportunity to discuss articles out of the public eye within our forums. However, only full BVS members will have access to special partner offer and discounted prices on our events.

Do you offer trial memberships?

No, we sure don’t. However, if you attend at least 2 events in 3 months and decide it isn’t for you, a 25% refund will be sent to you. Our memberships are already so affordable we have never had a cancellation. Attending just two events pays for the membership itself.

What about group memberships or corporate memberships?

We can do that! In fact, the more people who join, the more affordable the membership. If you already have a group of friends who like to go out to dinner together, a book club, etc, or you’re a small business who would enjoy the perks of membership and personal planning for your employee appreciation dinners or events, please give us a call at 502.287.2772 to discuss rates and benefits.

What is the average age of the members?

We pride ourselves in the diversity of our membership from younger to older, couple AND singles and GLB. We welcome people of all ages and our members range in age anywhere from their late twenties on up, though most members tend to fall in between 30s and 50s. Our members come together because if similar interests and a desire to connect.

How often do you schedule dinners and events?

We offer 2-3 events per month. Most events will focus on wining and dining but other events include anything from monthly gatherings to other special outings such as an evening at the theater, spending a day at the races – both Keeneland and Churchill, hitting the Bourbon Trails, discovering new restaurants and venues in neighboring cities just to name a few.

Is BVS a dating service?

Not at all. Our purpose is to offer a fun, relaxing and safe alternative to the average “bar scene” for people to meet and socialize as well as showcase the great restaurants and entertainment venues that our region has to offer. Of course, this doesn’t mean you won’t meet someone special, it’s just not our main goal.

Why do people join?

Food is what brings most of our members together. We offer both unique dining experiences with our Supper Speakeasies as well as opportunities to try new restaurants they likely wouldn’t have tried alone. Our events are ideal social settings for making new friends or networking while sharing laughter, joy and conversation.

What if I don’t know anyone? Is it OK to come alone?

Absolutely. In fact, most members come to events on their own. Our event directors are always there to greet everyone and make introductions for you – and really, you will find the majority of members to be quite friendly. If you would feel more comfortable attending with a friend, you are welcome to bring a guest along at an additional cost to the guest (see policies). Members bringing guests usually arrive together, but we encourage them not to sit together during dinner. After all, you’re at the event to meet new friends.

How many people attend the events?

Generally speaking, we limit our dining events to no more than 40 people. This creates a bit more intimacy for getting to know new friends while giving you time to catch up with those you’ve met along the way as well. Some larger events will bring in more than 100, but those are usually our movie nights, Theatre Hop and other special events.

Is BVS a franchise?

The founding chapter and magazine were started in Louisville in April of 2008. As we have streamlined our structure of both events and our growing online magazine, we are moving forward with licensing opportunities for other cities. If you are interested in starting your own chapter – either events, magazine or both – please contact our office at 502.287.2772 and we’d be happy to discuss the possibility with you. For those with a bit of social savvy, networking ability, a chef’s heart and/or talent, it is a wonderful entrepreneurial opportunity for the right person or couple.

What is Single Gourmet?

Single Gourmet chapters (active since 1978) exist nationwide as well as in Canada. Each Single Gourmet chapter is individually owned and operated, all following the same basic premise that members share an appreciation for fine dining, friendship and stimulating conversation. Single members of BVS in the Kentuckiana, Lexington and Cincinnati areas share reciprocity with the other chapters. If you find yourself traveling to a city with an active SG chapter, you are able to attend events and join their travel plans with no additional fees.

Will my personal information (name, phone number, address, credit card number, etc.) ever be given out to anyone?

No. Never. Our discount partners and affiliates will post any special offers on our forum or through our own BVS newsletter. If you decide to join any of their mailing lists, it will be separate from BVS.

On a personal level, if you wish to contact someone after an event, but didn’t get their contact information, we will be happy to call them on your behalf. We’ve received requests like this before, many of which have resulted in friendships, dating, engagements and even marriage.

Is there a dress code?

While there is no established dress code, the newsletter will suggest the appropriate dress for each event. Some functions are semi-casual while others require more formal attire. As a general rule, business casual is the safe option.

Can you accommodate dietary preferences?

For the Supper Speakeasy, we are often limited in our ability to accommodate specific dietary needs, however, we do offer special menus from time to time or will let our guests know when we are able to accommodate them. If we are dining in a restaurant environment, just tell us your dietary preferences/restrictions when you make a reservation for an event. We’ll go out of our way to make your dining experience as enjoyable as possible.

Is there pre-arranged seating at your dinners?

Yes. Nearly all our events have prearranged seating with your first name only on place cards at the table. Our tables usually consist of eight to ten people in compatible age groups and marital status.

Can I make special requests?

Yes, we encourage members to give us feedback. If you see someone at another table you would like to sit with at a future event, tell us and we’ll try our best to have you at the same table. Or, you may have been seated with someone you do not wish to meet again, tell us and we’ll make sure you’re never at the same table.

Are alcoholic beverages served?

Members may purchase alcoholic beverages of their choice. Most wine dinners will have the drink portion as a separate charge, so people can add it as they like. This way, people who do not drink won’t feel as though they’re paying for others’ alcoholic beverages.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?

No worries. There will always be non-alcoholic beverages available. When possible, an upscale NA tasting for prix fixe (a complete meal of several courses, sometimes with choices permitted, offered by a restaurant at a fixed price) dinners or wine tastings will be offered.

Do you have any incentives for members?

Your membership will be extended one month for each referral that mentions your name and joins our family as a member. If you join as a member during the night of an event where you have paid the guest service fee, that fee will be deducted from the overall membership charge. Members always have “first dibs” on reservations for our events as well. On occasion, we will also have special offers from restaurants and retailers especially for you.

How do I make a reservation for an event?

You may either call the number listed on the page of the event you would like to attend or make a secure online payment through the localwineevents.com button which is also located on that page. If you choose to make the payment online, a fee will apply. There is no fee when calling our office directly.

What if an event is sold out?

Once we have reached the maximum number of reservations, we will create a waiting list and will contact you immediately if there are cancellations.

What does the annual membership fee cover?

It covers the majority of administrative expenses to bring our members a great experience and informative newsletter every time. Most events are at additional expense, and dinner prices may range from $35 – $75. Tax and gratuity are frequently included in the event fee, making our events hassle free and an even better deal!

What happens if I’m unavoidably detained and arrive late?

In most cases, no problem. If you let us know in time we’ll tell the kitchen to hold your meal, or if you arrive a little late, just tell the host/hostess, they’ll take you to your table, help you get seated and you will just catch-up with everyone else.

Can I receive my newsletter via US Mail?

Unfortunately, no. The newsletter is available only via e-mail.

Is there a code of conduct?

Yes. An individual’s membership will be terminated with repeated inappropriate behavior. If just a single occurrence – you will be asked to leave the function. We recognize that everyone may have an off night every now and again… but we owe it to our other members to ensure their right to an enjoyable time. If a membership is terminated, there is no refund on membership.

I’m ready! How do I join?

Just click here and you’re on your way!

If we didn’t answer your question, feel free to call: 502.287.2772.

Dinner/Event Reservations

Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day by phone 502.287.2772 or e-mail (jo@bvsevents.com). To allow the restaurant to better serve our group, we ask that reservations and payments be made no later than one week prior to the event date. If reservations need to be made sooner do to event availability or the popularity of a restaurant, this fact is typically stated in the newsletter.

Last-Minute Reservations

If you have not reserved for an event and discover that you are free and would like to join us, please call our office at 502.287.2772. We will always try to accommodate you.

Event Payments

Bon Vivant Savant accepts payment by check (due one week prior), Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The price for each event is listed in the newsletter (and calendar of events online) and typically includes the full meal, tax and gratuity. Sometimes beverages or other services may also be included as described in the event write-up. In most cases alcoholic beverages are not included. However, the restaurant would be happy to take your order and bill you accordingly.

Guest Policy

Members are welcome to bring one or more guests on a space available basis. There is a surcharge (usually $10-20) above the cost of the event for each guest which can be applied toward that person’s membership. In all fairness to our members, we ask that no one bring the same guest to more than one event. Of course, we would warmly welcome them to become members.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days before the dinner/event. Any payment collected will be credited and applied toward an upcoming event of your choice. Credits must be used within a two month period from the date of cancellation. Cancellations made within 7 days of the event are credited only if a replacement can be found. If you reserve for an event and cannot attend, please call or email us to cancel.

We reserve the right to cancel a membership at any time due to inappropriate behavior.