CCB Speakeasy

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

The “Speakeasy” took place during Country Club of Buffalo’s Summer Bash in 2023. The idea was to surprise our members with a unique experience. The “Speakeasy’s” existence was only told to a couple members the night of the event, who then had to use the telephone in the phone booth to call up to the “bouncer” with the secret password (which also changed throughout the night). It was then up to the members to spread the word. Due to the capacity limit on the space, we could only fit so many members in at a time, causing more excitement and even a line out the door.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Our team did an amazing job of transforming the space into a “Speakeasy.” It was located in our ladies’ locker room, where we moved around the furniture, added Ancient Greek décor, used uplighting, created a bar, and had a guitar player to produce a chic ambiance. Since none of the members knew about the “Speakeasy” before arriving at the Summer Bash, we were able to completely use the element of surprise to add to the excitement. The door was guarded, and members were only let up when the telephone monitor gave the “bouncer” permission. This secret bar had its own cocktails that were only available there. So, if members left with a cocktail still in their hand, other members would see the specialty cocktail and want to find out where they can get one for themselves. By the end of the evening, most of the members who attended the Summer Bash got to witness the “Speakeasy,” and were raving about their experiences. This idea to have an event within an event was a success; they loved the cocktails, the atmosphere, and the music.