Front-of-house and back-of-house renovations bolster the dining experience at this New England club.
A growing membership that has spawned a dining surge was the impetus for the latest renovation at Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Conn. This past May, the club underwent a $3 million overhaul of its kitchen and bar lounge with an expanded layout that enables greater efficiency and improved output.
Streamlined Service
The original 30-year-old, 900-sq.-ft. kitchen lacked sufficient refrigeration for both a la carte and banquet production. In the restructured layout of the now-1,300-sq.-ft. kitchen, each service has its own separate and distinct lines.
According to General Manager Renaud Ammon, the decision to update these spaces was prompted by the need “to create a bigger bar and tap room with a more modern look…conducive to social life and camaraderie.” The original 30-year-old, 900-sq.-ft. kitchen, which had largely remained untouched, lacked sufficient refrigeration for both a la carte and banquet production. In the restructured layout of the now-1,300-sq.-ft. kitchen, each service has its own separate and distinct lines.
“Prior to the renovation, when we had a banquet event, we had to pause serving the restaurant for 10 to 15 minutes, which created huge delays in the dining room and major complaints,” says Ammon, noting a lack of space and fire power on the banquet side. “Now we can run both dining room and banquet simultaneously without having them collide, which has changed the entire dynamic for us.”
Further maximizing the kitchen’s overall output, the new design warranted a series of key equipment updates. Outdated refrigeration units were replaced with larger, more efficient models containing adjustable drawers and shelfing. Club chefs are also benefiting from a high-end range and oven with multiple burners and optimal temperature control that are expediting cook times. In addition, smart air conditioning that adapts to fluctuating temperatures has vastly improved operations.
Taking a hard look at soft lighting, designers opted to tweak existing fixtures. Task lighting above countertops and cook areas benefits meal prep and minimizes potential accidents. Speaking of hazards, newly updated fire suppression systems and improved ventilation ensure a more secure work environment for kitchen staff.
Setting the Bar
Just off a renovated seating area at Aspetuck Valley Country Club is the tap room outfitted in a matching color palette. The perimeter is lined with high-backed bar stools and seating for 20 (the previous design accommodated seven).
Along with a fully functional kitchen, a refresh of the club’s bar lounge area complements these updates with new seating, flooring and lighting. Rich blue upholstered seats and wood tables add a sophisticated vibe to the dining space, as do the pendant lighting and recessed fixtures. Carpeting was swapped out for vinyl flooring, chosen for its warmer walnut feel and resemblance to wood. “It also has a slight padding on the back of the flooring, which helps with sound-deadening qualities,” explains John Paprotna of Paprotna Painting in Westport, Conn.
Just off this seating area is the tap room outfitted in a matching color palette. The perimeter is lined with high-backed bar stools and seating for 20 (the previous design accommodated seven). Natural light pours in through surrounding windows and large glass doors lead directly to an outdoor patio, providing easy access to exterior amenities.
Thanks to this seamless integration between these spaces, Aspetuck Valley’s members are enjoying the newly updated spaces for drinks, dinner and more. “An overwhelming majority really love the way both projects turned out,” says Ammon. “The usage of the new tap room has been incredible and the flow in the kitchen has improved tremendously.” The club is now able to organize and host private events without having to close the restaurant—an asset for the busy holiday entertaining season and beyond.
For clubs looking to update their own facilities with a limited budget, Ammon recommends appointing an owner’s rep for the project. He believes that having a designated contact working alongside the general manager and chair of the long-range planning will “make sure [to] stay on time and on budget.”
Design Snapshot
Aspetuck Valley Country Club
Weston, Conn.
Architect: Bill Leavey
Interior Designer: MKT Interior Design, Westport, Conn.
Bar Lounge
Flooring: Stanton
Carpeting: OKA
Lighting: Visual Comfort
Dining Chairs: Caracole
Tables: New England Seating
Sofa: OKA
Club Chairs: Bernhardt
Wallpaper: Carlisle & Co.
Kitchen
Oven: Rational
Stove: Jade Range
Hood: CaptiveAire
Refrigerator: Amerikooler
Bar Equipment: Perlick
C+RB
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