Clubs Open the Door to Expanded Casual Dining Rooms

Refreshed restaurants are enticing more members and their guests to eat, drink and be merry.

A celebratory drink with golfing buddies or a quick bite before hitting the courts. Whatever the sport—or the reason—diners appreciate a comfortable place where they can break bread with friends in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. As clubhouses undergo building-wide renovations, casual dining spaces are transformed to balance contemporary styling with functional design. 

Holidays and Beyond

While the clubhouse dining room at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club had served as a popular spot for Easter, Mother’s Day and other special occasions, it remained largely unused outside of these events. So, when the club board of the Champaign, Ill. facility decided to update the underutilized, outdated space back in 2021, they were more than ready for a total refresh. The renovation, which also included private event rooms, began in January 2023 and was completed six months later. It has since outpaced both staff and member expectations.

“The new dining room feels like an upscale sports bar,” says Rob Walls, KemperSports General Manager at Lincolnshire Fields. Tall standard and banquet-style seating with warm wood tones peppered throughout the space provide ample accommodations. Durable laminate flooring features a sound-dampening inlay to minimize noise volumes, as do the dark ceiling’s acoustic beams. Modern lighting fixtures are balanced out by natural light pouring through windows, sans treatments. Access to the kitchen is available via multiple service doors, with three separate POS service stations to keep things moving. 

Since the renovation, Lincolnshire Fields has received an 18-percent boost in F&B sales. “Because we are seeing increased traffic, we have been able to expand our menu and offer more varied entrée choices,” notes Walls, adding that the club had its best December on record with 95-percent increased revenues from the previous year. A surge in private event bookings include bridal and baby showers, holiday parties and book clubs. “We hosted our first wedding in five years in the new space last September,” he notes.

Membership has also grown considerably, with the recent addition of 65 new families and overall satisfaction rates climbing from 73 to 82 percent. Also of note are improved F&B satisfaction rating (64 to 80 percent) and the club’s 2023 NPS score (11 to 48.6 percent). “The board and management feel great about the renovation and are very happy with the results,” concludes Walls. 

Upping the ‘Wow’ Factor

Small updates can make for big rewards, as is the case at Palmira Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla., where a clubhouse renovation encompassed a redecorated Grill Room last summer. “We saved time and money by doing it all over two years in two phases and made it less disruptive to members,” explains Director of Membership & Marketing Mary Jane “MJ” Chappy of the multistage project. Spacing out the construction allowed the club to create a thoughtfully planned makeover, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and welcoming dining space.

Prior to the renovation, the Grill Room featured a traditional gold color scheme with wood paneling. Wall art showcased outdated golf course shots, while conservative sconces did little to instill a sense of ambiance. “We wanted a refreshing and upscale casual feel to enhance the social experience for our members and their guests,” she adds. 

The club dining room’s color palette now mirrors the clubhouse in various shades of blues and greys. Lighting is more robust, with adjustable high hats and an eye-catching, LED three-ring chandelier that accents the wood vaulted ceiling. Valence window treatments provide a simple, yet effective solution. “They were installed mainly to hide the pull-down shades at the top of the front windows, which are used to ward off the very bright late-afternoon sun,” notes Chappy. 

Underfoot, commercial-grade, patterned carpeting in blues, greys and tans complements the rest of the Grill Room’s décor and expertly covers any dirt. Meanwhile, the hall that leads to the Grill Room, as well as the bar area, is enhanced by new luxury vinyl tile. Not only does this style reduce wear and tear in a high-traffic area—particularly with members donning golf shoes—but bar chairs can swivel much more easily, reports Chappy. 

Speaking of furnishings, high-top tables near the bar were swapped out for two booths, providing a cozier setting. Vinyl-covered chairs are a practical choice for easy cleaning and feature castors on the front side for effortless mobility. To further set the scene, wall art of the golf courses was replaced with more contemporary pieces. The entry way to the Grill Room was also updated with refinished wood paneling, new entry tables, a chandelier and other decorative accessories. 

While Palmira’s updated casual dining spot has not necessarily improved club operations, it has boosted member satisfaction. “There is a new ‘wow’ factor they are proud of,” notes Chappy.

A Shore Thing

SoCal golfers have a new spot to grab a bite at Shorecliffs Golf Club in San Clemente, Calif., where a recent beautification project at the Troon-managed club resulted in a new casual dining spot. The 501 Restaurant and Bar, which opened its doors to the public last October, has been a gamechanger for the coastal community, where good food and good vibes go hand in hand.

Fittingly named for Shorecliff’s street address, the 5,200-sq.-ft. 501 features an indoor bar and restaurant area, along with an outdoor patio and firepit area. “The restaurant was designed to provide the ultimate country club experience at this southern California daily fee facility,” says Executive Chef Aron Bagatta, who runs the restaurant and events department. As part of this project, the kitchen was updated with new equipment and an open layout, including a wide entrance that facilitates access for servers. In addition, dinner guests can watch the chefs at work from the comfort of their seats, while enjoying a relaxing meal.

The purposeful design of the kitchen does not detract from the stylish look and feel of the dining area. “The environment is warm and welcoming in a décor that fits the San Clemente community’s Spanish coastal style,” describes Bagatta. The 501 is outfitted with a mahogany bar and tabletops, creamy eggshell white walls, and espresso brown wood beams. Custom-designed black leather chairs complement warm wood butcher block tables and wood tile flooring. Large canvas photographs of Shorecliffs adorn the walls, and green plants are scattered throughout to promote “a healthy and relaxed atmosphere,” he adds.

The bar area carries over the dining room’s modern accents with Spanish tiling along the entry dome ceiling. Two golf simulators situated in this space, along with six overhead television screens, provide entertainment for guests. Meanwhile, the outdoor patio area has cushioned seating and a firepit for after-dinner drinks and nighttime gatherings. Designed in turquoise, orange and rust, the patio furniture is a nod to the exterior and interior tile accents.

The 501’s aesthetically pleasing environment has translated into a solid revenue stream for the club, with a 300-percent increase over pre-renovation sales. As such, Bagatta has been able to expand his menu, which now includes chef’s benedict, frittata primavera and avocado toast with pecan wood bacon. Having earned multiple five-star reviews on Yelp and Google, the 501 has secured its reputation as a well-received San Clemente dining spot.

Summing It Up

> Casual dining spaces are undergoing renovations that tie into clubhouse design for a cohesive look.
> Furnishings such as carpeting and seating are chosen not only for their style, but for their ease of maintenance.
> Enhanced dining room facilities translate to a boost in F&B sales and overall member satisfaction. 

C+RB