New Year's Eve: In-Room Dining Experience

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

INTRODUCTION: As the pandemic “pause” in Michigan was extended through the holiday weeks, the team at the Detroit Athletic Club’s fine-dining restaurant, The Gallery & The Fresco, looked for ways to celebrate the coming of the new year in place of our traditional celebration, with one week’s notice.

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

THE RECIPE—TEAMWORK: The food and beverage, culinary and front-office teams united to to create a private celebration for the holiday. Members booked overnight rooms and had the option to choose a New Year’s Eve dining experience with prix-fixe menu; order room service from our casual-dining restaurant, The Stadium Club; or add a “Build a Bar” in-room bar package. Overnight rooms were festively decorated, and guests received a half-bottle of champagne for their personal midnight toast. This was a true collaboration of teams, as the front office was able to provide menus and dining options to guests as they booked overnight rooms. Front-of-the-house teams followed up with members to verify menu and beverage options. The banquet porter team delivered tables and chairs so that overnight rooms could be set and decorated. The culinary and front-of-the-house teams delivered a four-course menu to the overnight rooms on the fifth and six floors from the restaurant kitchen on the first floor. Housekeeping and stewarding were vital to ensuring the rooms were fully cleaned and reset the next day.

RESULTS

• 23 rooms booked
• $6,508.40 in rooms revenue
• 13 rooms and 3 suites booked for New Year’s Eve dinner
• 48 members served
• $5,840.75 in F&B revenue ($124.27 per person average)

MEMBER COMMENTS:
“I wanted to let you know that your team did an amazing job last night. Kyle took care of us like we were his own family. Setting up and managing a four-course dinner on the fifth floor (multiplied by 20-some reservations) must have been no small undertaking. My family had a terrific time; please pass along my thanks to your staff and may all of you have a wonderful New Year.”
“Good morning, Happy New Year! Thank you so much for making NYE so special. We had so much fun. Food, service and ambience were all great! Here’s to a wonderful, prosperous and healthy 2021!”
“We love our DAC , great to be there with our dear friends. The room looked wonderful. Nice to be out. Be well.”