“Orchid Island is in an ideal location. It’s in one of the nicest spots along the Treasure Coast of Florida. The club is simply outstanding.”
— ARNOLD PALMER
The Club:
Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is one of Vero Beach’s finest treasures. Nestled between the peaceful Indian River Lagoon and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean, this unique one-of-a-kind gem is located within the Town of Orchid, just north of the charming seaside town of Vero Beach. Orchid Island is a private, gated residential golf course community, offering a variety of luxury properties, including breathtaking waterfront and golf course homes, and is lauded as one of the most visually stunning and exclusive barrier island private clubs in Florida. The Club has 400 members with an average age at 65. The Club generates food revenues of $1.1 ML and beverage sales of $400,000. While club is operational year-round, its peak season is each Novemeber – April.
More than just a golf club, members have the choice between three exceptional dining venues, one which includes the British Indies inspired Beach Club overlooking a spectacular view of the Atlantic ocean. Other amenities include a private pristine beach, a beautiful and relaxing poolside setting, a full-service spa and a state-of-the-art Tennis & Fitness Center. In addition, there are many leisurely gatherings and club activities so there is simply something for everyone.
Orchid’s History:
In the 1800’s, the Indian River, on the western boundary, served as a major ‘highway’. Trading schooners were floating general stores that visited settlements along the river on a monthly schedule. In 1903, A.B. Michael, one of the original Orchid Island settlers, planted the first ten acres of citrus trees while continuing to raise beans and tomatoes as a money crop. The few families, who lived on the strip of fertile land bordered by the ocean and State Road 510, produced the Indian River grapefruit which in later decades was recognized worldwide as the finest quality grapefruit being grown.
The Town of Orchid was incorporated in 1965 and in 1986 the residents sold the town to the Deerfield Groves Corporation. barrier island would reach the Town of Orchid and in 1988 developer Robert Haines III, of Avon, Connecticut, created a limited partnership that raised $20 million and bought the farms with plans to transform it into a residential community. Then the farms were purchased, the ten grove owners were the only residents on Orchid Island between Windsor and County Road 510. When the 600 acres of Orchid Island was purchased it made national news as the second smallest town in Florida.
Robert Haines III’s limited partnership built the Arnold Palmer golf course, the three story West Indies style Beach Club, four tennis courts and by 1990 had sold 10 home sites.
In 1994, billionaire Galen Weston of Canada, who had developed Windsor just north of Orchid, bought the property. Immediately the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club began it’s climb, slowly at first, then more rapidly. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club has now grown into one of Florida’s most scenic and desirable places to live.
Dining:
Candidates must possess a track record of success in varying styles and presentation including traditional (comfort club fare), contemporary American, ethnic-influenced cuisines, quick-serve and “To Go” service as well as elaborate, highly detailed VIP events.
Orchid Island has three fabulous dining experiences to choose from; fine dining in the elegance of the Beach Club overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, casual fare at the Pool Grille, or collegial atmosphere at the Golf Club.
An emerald ocean, reflecting pool and lush tropical foliage provide backdrops for the exquisite West Indies style Beach Club – Orchid Island crown jewel – that features classic architecture thoughtfully adapted to Florida’s tropical climate. Romance abounds, and it is here that Members gather to enjoy the understated elegance that defines the Orchid Island lifestyle. Gentle ocean breezes, an unspoiled beach and brilliant sunrises greet visitors to this 25,000-square-foot clubhouse that radiates with ambiance. With its seaside overlooks, covered loggias and full-sun terraces, the Beach Club is the perfect setting for exquisite fine dining and private parties.
The Golf Club
The 17,000 square foot Golf Clubhouse provides the perfect setting to meet and greet friends or unwind after a day on the course. The Clubhouse overlooks a lake with grand views of fairways beyond. Its central location provides convenient access for Members who frequently gather to enjoy casual lunch and dinner in the dining room, on the veranda, and in the Club’s popular, traditionally-appointed lounge and grille.
Pool Grille
A diverse menu that boasts many options such as a pleasing appetizer, or a light salad, to a tasty wrap, or a mouth-watering burger, to the local fresh catch of the day.
Special Events
Throughout the year the Club hosts many special events for its Members, including weddings, private parties and anniversaries. Seving seated dinners up to 170 and receptions for as many as 350 guests.
The Position:
The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities. A team attitude, healthy sense of humor, and solid business acumen are critical, along with attention to detail, organizational proficiency, and excellent communication skills. A proven track record of maintaining a sound sanitation program is required. Wine and beverage knowledge is preferred.
Key Expectations and Goals:
- Ability to hire, train and retain an exceptional culinary team.
- Ability to implement production processes – SOPs and recipe standardarization – effectiely resulting in product consistency.
- Communication of a compelling vision for the culinary program.
- Creative with fresh ideas and using quality products.
- Organized Leader – structured and delegates use of recipes and preparation sheets, with accounatble results.
- Capable and prudent budgeting, planning and purchasing.
- Serves exceptional food on a consistent basis.
- A proven and resourceful recruiter of line and season personnel
Strong organizational skills are a must. This individual must be emotionally composed and sufficiently flexible to move fluidly between different operations and different roles.
Since the great majority of the Club’s members use the a la carte restaurants, the Club needs a master of a la carte service with a consistent reputation in this important area.
The Executive Chef (EC) is a working chef who leads, manages, motivates and directs kitchen staff, including the staff at the Golf Clubhouse and the Beach Sous Chef at the Beach House, to achieve the objectives set by the General Manager. The (EC) creates the standards for kitchen policies and procedures, communicates these policies and ensures that the policies are adhered to by all BOH staff.
The (EC) is responsible for ensuring that all food is consistently outstanding – from standard country club fare to innovative offerings and special culinary events throughout all dining venues. The EC understands that quality and consistency in producing and delivering popular club menu items is just as important to the member experience as producing complex wine dinners, and memorable special events; and is responsi- ble to ensure that his/her team approaches each activity with identical focus.
The (EC) creates and updates menus often, incorporates daily specials, and develops and documents recipes and controls to ensure consistency. Creativity, not just variety, is essential in planning menus for the members of Orchid Island.
Because of the seasonality of the Club, the EC must be some- one with an exceptionally strong work ethic in season, and who recognizes the need to effectively plan, evaluate, recruit and restaff during the off season. The kitchen labor budget is approximately $600,000 with a culinary/stewarding brigade of 25+ during peak season.
Finally, the successful candidate must be a good fit for the culture of the Club. He or she must demonstrate values, conduct, and integrity consistent with the Club’s. The candidate must approach the position with humility that cares for “others above self.”
The Club will offer a competitive compensation plan including a base salary, bonus program, continuing education and other standard perks and benefits for this Executive position. Interested individuals should send resumes, a well-conceived cover letter and supporting information i.e., pictures, menus, personal website etc. in strict confidence.