In this episode of C+RB’s video series, General Manager Joseph Mendez, CCM, CCE, describes how the Cinnaminson, N.J. club is taking steps to “match the rest of our facilities with our outstanding [Donald Ross-designed] golf course”—first through the hiring of a new Executive Chef, Michael Kim, who has already elevated the culinary experience and created an “audible buzz” in the dining room, and also through pursuit of a master plan for significant expansion of the pool complex, pro shop and golf operations, kids/teen space, racquet facilities, outdoor dining/patio and other parts of the property.
“The Road Ahead” video series from Club + Resort Business highlights how clubs are moving forward to create successful new programs, events and amenities and enhance the member experience.
This episode features the changes taking place throughout the operation of Riverton Country Club in Cinnaminson, N.J. Located on the banks of the Delaware River across from Philadelphia, Riverton CC has a long and rich history, dating back to 1900 and including an 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross in 1917.
But the club knows that to continue to stand out with distinction in a competitive Philadelphia-area market with many well-respected clubs, it can’t rely totally on its history, tradition and renowned golf course (which is undergoing a restoration project, to reflect Ross’ original design).
General Manager Joseph Mendez, CCM, CCE, describes Riverton’s ongoing efforts to “match the rest of our facilities with our outstanding golf course,” starting with the elevation of the club’s culinary program through an extensive search that led to the hiring of new Executive Chef Michael Kim.
“We believe we offer an over-the-top golf, pool and tennis experience,” says Mendez. “It was time to elevate the dining experience to the same level.
“We’re just 15 minutes from center-city Philadelphia, where there are numerous top chefs and restaurants,” he adds. “We want to give our members reason to say they don’t need to drive over the bridge, because they can stay right here where the food is better. And Chef Kim has fit in very quickly, to create an audible buzz in our dining room about the change he and his team have already brought about.”
Mendez also describes plans for further growth at Riverton through the pursuit of a master plan for significant expansions of the pool complex, pro shop and golf operations, kids/teen space, racquet facilities, outdoor dining/patio, and other parts of the property.
“We’ve recently seen a lot of growth in our House/Non-Golf membership and are now very close to a wait list,” he reports. “And we’re getting close to the finish line for projects that will expand and improve the organization of our various departments [on the property] and reserve the clubhouse for leisure activities.”
(Viewing time: 11 minutes)
Previous episodes of “The Road Ahead” can be viewed at https://clubandresortbusiness.com/category/the-road-back/
Upcoming episodes will feature the unique approach of the management team at an historic Florida club, and how a prominent Washington, DC.-area club kept its robust tennis program in full swing through the pandemic and emerged even stronger on the other side.
If you have a great idea or success story you’d like to see featured on a future episode of “The Road Back,” contact [email protected].
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