San Clemente - Case Study
Municipal Golf Course in Need of a Reliable Lessee
The Case:
The city of San Clemente owns a high volume municipal golf course in southern Orange County. They have previously leased the operations of the Golf Shop and F&B operations to outside vendors/concessionaires. In 2008 the city rebuilt the clubhouse and leased the F&B operations to a local restaurateur. The operator put in a midscale, full service restaurant that was very similar to their very successful freestanding restaurant in the local community. However, the F&B operator lacked the unique skill-set necessary to make a golf course restaurant and banquet space financially successful. Ultimately, they struggled pay the rent and bills and thus subsequently owed the city several hundred thousand dollars by the end of 2011.
The Solution:
Z-Golf was chosen via the RFP process by the city council and golf commission to operate and lease the F&B operations. Z-Golf immediately began to clean-up the building with capital improvements such as new carpet and a wedding ceremony site. Z-Golf also immediately made operational changes to better serve the golfers. The walk up snack bar window hours were expanded and the restaurant menu was pared down to ensure fast, friendly service at a reasonable price for all golfers. A special golfer banquet menu was also developed to ensure that local golfer clubs and various tournaments receive a consistent menu at a value based price point.
The Result:
The city of San Clemente now has a financially stable partner that is committed to improving the facility and services at the high volume golf course. The Wedgewood brand has also been able to maximize the use of the restaurant space by booking over 100 events in just 3 months.