The Most Improved F&B venue, Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee, remodeled multiple dining spaces, from pub to private to fine dining to casual.
Entries were judged on concept and planning, aesthetics and appearance and financial impact. Judges were John Buser, general manager of TPC Colorado and a Golden Fork winner in 2021; Bob Yager, director of architecture at Marsh & Associates; Bill Langley, general manager and COO at Quail Ridge Country Club; and Mark Melzer, principal at MDR Architects.
Here are the honorees for Most improved F&B Facility in the 2023 Golden Fork competition.
Click here to see the New F&B Facility winners.
Most Improved F&B Facility
FIRST PLACE
Cherokee Country Club
Knoxville, Tennessee
Private
Architect: BarberMcMurry Architects
Interior Design: The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry
Contractor: Hickory Construction
Project completed: April 2022
Cherokee Country Club has renovated its dining spaces, adding a centrally located buffet room and a separate private dining space with rentable wine lockers for members.
Walnut wood paneling throughout the pub and entry areas added warmth, while deep tones of green and ebony helped create a masculine feel.
The large central bar has a metal and mirrored overbar, which hides TVs. The wine room is the backdrop for both the bar and fine dining space, and its natural light flows into the pub.
The buffet room is situated across from the kitchen to ease server traffic flow. Overall, the rooms flow seamlessly together while still maintaining their own identity and feel.
Since the renovation of all the F&B spaces, the club has seen a 46% increase in F&B spending. The club reports that a recent membership survey gave the new space and dining program a 96% satisfaction rating.
What the judges said:
“Casual elegance that flows evenly from room to room.” – John Buser, general manager, TPC Colorado
“A tasteful variety of dining and social option, with a unifying character and quality of detail.” – Bob Yager, director of architecture at Marsh & Associates
“The designer shows an excellent command of materials and detailing and reflecting a very refined, exquisite setting for enjoying the noteworthy cuisine.” – Mark Melzer, principal, MDR Architects
SECOND PLACE
Boca Bay Pass Club
Boca Grande, Florida
Private
Architect: AM Design Group
Interior Design: AM Design Group
Contractor: DeAngelis Diamond
Project completed: December 2021
Boca Bay Pass Club’s general manager, Tony Zaranti, decided to undertake a complete renovation of the club’s dining areas to ensure that they were up to date with current trends and to cater to the changing demographics of the region.
The renovated Gulf Grille offers casual dining and a 180-degree view of the Gulf of Mexico. Folding glass doors can be opened to bring the outside in, and on a nice day the Euro Walls can be opened to give the best views of Boca Grande.
A private wine room and climate-controlled wine cellar feature 1,600 bottles.
The renovated poolside bar offers lunch and dinner service, and the Sunset Room on the second floor of the clubhouse and has a full-service bar.
After the remodel, dining activity increased by 40%, compared to the 2019 season, and total F&B restaurant sales exceeded the budget by 20%. Beer sales exceeded budget by 42% with the addition of the poolside bar, which became the most desirable area of the club for members. The club was also able to raise its initiation fee from $30,000 to $50,000.
What the judges said:
“An enhanced and expanded dining footprint that maximizes water views.” – John Buser
“A bright, inviting and thoughtful reimagining of key social spaces in the club.” – Bob Yager
“A nicely executed variety of venues for food & beverage experiences, with well-detailed improvements. The rustic wood-deck porches combined with a classical coastal white facade create a restrained and timeless design solution.” — Mark Melzer
THIRD PLACE
Shadow Wood Country Club
Estero, Florida
Private
Architect: AM Design Group
Interior Design: AM Design Group
Contractor: DeAngelis Diamond
Project completed: January 2022
During the past few years, Shadow Wood Country Club has gone through a three‐phase transformation to completely renovate the club facilities. This included the renovation and expansion of the Men’s Grill & Card Room, equipping it with a kitchen, hot and cold food stations and a bar — all while keeping the stunning outdoor view intact.
The expanded Men’s Grill & Card Room now has more windows and exterior doors, which improve indoor lighting and reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day. The new dining area is a series of rooms connected by large doors. which improves flow and efficiency for club events.
The new menu is full of options, from sushi to homemade gourmet pizzas to fresh seafood.
Since the renovation was completes, the a-la-carte revenues have seen a 56% increase. New membership sales more than doubled from 2020 to 2021 and hit record highs in 2022. Upon completion of the dining renovations, the club reached full membership capacity for the first time in its history.
What the judges said:
“Timeless design with a refined, comfort feel.” – John Buser
“A warm and modern design that invigorates an outdated space.” — Bob Yager
HONORABLE MENTION
The Oaks Club at Valencia
Stevenson Ranch, California
Private
Architect: Thiel & Thiel Inc.
Interior Design: Thiel & Thiel Inc.
Contractor: Victory Builders
Project completed: September 2022
Dining has evolved into a chef-driven experience at The Oaks Club at Valencia’s remodeled The Lookout Kitchen + Patio. What members enjoy is that the chef comes out and talks to diners.
“His vision is to provide elegant California cuisine with a wide variety to serve all tastes and palates, offering small plates, entrees, salads and a bar menu,” the design team said.
New glassware and dishware with a mid-century modern feel complement the food nicely, and the space is anchored with a large central bar.
Business has been up since the transformation. Since the remodel, the club has seen a 35% increase in food sales and a 96% increase in wine sales. Member participation in experiential events has increased 37%. The restaurant hosts weekly events, including elevated brunch and family nights, and local bands play on weekends.
What the judges said:
“A unique design with enhanced privacy within an open floor plan.” — John Buser
“Rustic wood framing and trim unites indoor and outdoor spaces, with accommodations providing a contemporary twist.” — Bob Yager
HONORABLE MENTION
Ocean Reef Club
Key Largo, Florida
Private
Architect: Peacock + Lewis
Interior Design: HBA
Contractor: Craft Construction
Project completed: November 2021
The Ocean Reef Club’s clubhouse expansion and renovation included a gathering bar called The Lounge and an intimate dining venue called CH Prime Steakhouse.
The purpose of the project was to create dining experiences that would complement the golf course and provide expanded views of the outdoors.
The Lounge and CH Prime Steakhouse offer some of the most stunning views of the golf course anywhere on property.
There has been increased demand for private functions in the remodeled dining room, and the club has seen increased F&B sales.
What the judges said:
“Rich palette combined with creative lighting and thematic treatments reinforce the steakhouse feel.” — Bob Yager
HONORABLE MENTION
Rose Creek Golf Club
Edmond, Oklahoma
Private
Architect: n/a
Interior Design: Strickland Design
Contractor: n/a
Project completed: August 2022
The goal of the remodeled dining facilities at Rose Creek Golf Club was to have members and guests feel as if they’ve been transported to a new city.
A pizza oven is enclosed in a glass room, allowing people to watch the chefs at work while supporting a transparent approach to cooking.
The main restaurant focuses on rustic farm-to-table items. The design includes large booths, floor-to-ceiling windows, new firepits and retractable doors.
The second dining area transports members and guests to 1920s Paris with a traditional French menu, more than 450 liquor selections, a champagne list and live jazz.
There is currently a waiting list to join the club, and it is exploring the idea of expanding the clubhouse to add more dining choices.
