The Leaderboard

Food and beverage programs continue to evolve across Canada’s private club community, balancing member expectations, culinary creativity, operational realities and the desire to create memorable experiences. In this article, Food & Beverage leaders from clubs across Ontario share what they’ve learned through the summer season and what they’re bringing into fall—from seasonal menus and local sourcing to managing costs, engaging members and creating experiences that extend beyond the plate. Their insights offer practical inspiration for clubs looking to deliver meaningful dining experiences while staying true to their unique membership and traditions.

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

What do you do when you’re asked to open a $20,000 bottle of 1863 Vintage Port in front of 30 members of the wine media? If you’re Marcel Bregstein, you reach for a pair of glowing Port tongs—and an ice-cold Scarlet Macaw feather. In this memorable Chronicles of Cork story, Marcel takes us back to the 2003 PMA Chairman’s Gala at The Toronto Hunt, where a centuries-old bottle, a daring idea, and a very nervous sommelier came together for one unforgettable moment. It’s a story about wine, history, a little bit of risk, and the unexpected moments that become the stories we remember.

Ilijana Stankovic
Member Engagement Manager at The Oakville Club

Something happens when a group of club professionals sits down to talk about a book. The conversation rarely stays on the page. It drifts, quickly and naturally, toward the clubs we manage, the members we serve, and the decisions we made last week that we find ourselves quietly reconsidering. That drift, I've learned, is the entire point.

Beverly Beuermann-King
CSP Keynote Speaker and Facilitator

Many organizations now have four or even five generations working side by side.

While there are certainly similarities across generations, people have been shaped by different workplace experiences, economic realities, technologies, and leadership expectations. These experiences can influence how employees view topics such as change, trust, communication, career growth, well-being, and workplace culture.

Nicholas D'Ovidio
Interim General Manager at The Club at North Halton

At North Halton Golf & Country Club, culture transformation began with honest conversations and a shared commitment to delivering one seamless member experience. This blog explores how the club aligned its leadership, introduced the 3 Es—Empathy, Energy, and Entertainment—and established practical standards reinforced through daily behaviors. It also highlights how AI supports communication and operations, helping the team focus on what matters most: creating exceptional experiences for every member.

Nicholas D’Ovidio
CMAC Ontario Branch – Board of Directors and Member Engagement Vice Chair
Interim General Manager — The Club at North Halton

Nicholas “Nick” D’Ovidio is a dedicated club management professional whose commitment to member engagement, professional growth, and service excellence has shaped his career and strengthened the clubs and communities he serves.

The height of the golf season is the perfect time to pause and assess what's working—and where small improvements can make a big impact. From labour efficiency and member satisfaction to food & beverage performance, events, staff wellbeing, and operational processes, this mid-season check-in highlights seven key areas every club leadership team should review. Featuring insights from experienced club professionals across the industry, it's designed to spark meaningful conversations that strengthen operations and enhance the member experience before the season comes to a close.

Lisa Brown, CCM
CMAC Ontario Branch- Board of Directors and Professional Pathways Vice Chair
General Manager, St. Catharine's Golf & Country Club

Lisa Brown, CCM, is a highly respected leader in the private club industry, bringing more than 20 years of professional experience and over 25 years of membership with the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC). Her career has been shaped by progressive leadership roles at several of the Greater Toronto Area’s most prestigious clubs, including Oakdale Golf and Country Club and Rosedale Golf Club, where she developed a strong foundation in operational excellence, capital project delivery, and member service.

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

When Lynn Elmhirst—producer and host of World’s Greatest Cruises—invited me to collaborate on filming two episodes in Bordeaux, I knew it would be something special. With her expertise in luxury cruising and my deep connections in the wine world, we set out to create something truly memorable.

The experience became even richer when a small group of Toronto Hunt Members joined us for an 11-day journey aboard the elegant Scenic Diamond.

Jennifer Kennedy
CMAC Ontario Branch – Board of Directors and Professional Development Chair
Athletics & Wellness Director, The Boulevard Club

Jennifer Kennedy is an experienced wellness and club operations leader whose vision and dedication elevate the role of athletic and wellness programming within private clubs — enhancing member experiences and supporting professional growth across the club industry.