 The 31st Annual Metropolitan Club Foundation and the Metropolitan Club Managers Association 2025 Vendor Show occurred at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The Metropolitan Club Foundation has a noble mission. It aims to support and advance the club management profession through various educational programs, financial assistance, and professional opportunities. The foundation collaborates with academic institutions and other organizations to promote club management and hospitality in New York and beyond. Additionally, the foundation provides crucial support to club management professionals and their families during times of need, such as illness, disaster, or the loss of a family member. This comprehensive approach fosters professional growth and contributes to the well-being of those dedicated to the club management industry. This year's event was very well attended by the who's who of private club industry decision-makers. Vendors traveled nationwide and some internationally to showcase their products and services and network with their peers. See the 2025 Vendor Directory here: bit.ly/43tIgEE Many attended specialized workshops before the Glen Island Harbour Club culinary team served a buffet-style brunch from 11 to 12 noon. A successful vendor showcase followed. After a productive afternoon, it was time for Club Chefs to shine in this well-attended event. The Club Chefs of Westchester, Sunningdale Country Club, The Blind Brook Club, Shenorock Shore Club, Southward Ho, Manursing Island Club, Coveleigh Club, Siwanoy Country Club, Scarsdale Golf Club, Country Club of Purchase, Old Oaks Country Club, Tokeneke Club, American Yacht Club, Rolling Hills Country Club, Larchmont Shore Club, Leewood Country Club, Monticello Motor Club, and Trump National created a memorable feast for all in attendance. Dinner sponsors included The Chefs' Warehouse, Baldor, Ace Endico, New Wave Seafood, Ocean Box, McGregor Meats, Fischer and Miller, and Paganos. Longford's Ice Cream and Coffee Station provided dessert. Vendors and industry folk were more enthusiastic and engaged than ever, emphasizing the growth of the golf business. "The MCF Vendor Show 2025 was a resounding success! The energy, insights, and collaborations that came together were beyond expectations. It reminds us how much we can accomplish when we come together. In conclusion, the networking reception with Club Chefs of Westchester, Inc. gave us 16 unbelievable food stations." — Chris Hove, General Manager, Sebonack Golf Club  From left to right: Attila Koperecz, President and Co-Founder of Khayyan; Natalia Cabrera, Co-Founder at Khayyan; Saul Sola, Director of USA Montaraz ; and William Garcia, Carver at Montaraz. "We had an incredible experience at the Met Club Foundation Vendor Show, and it was an honor to connect with such a talented group of golf club chefs from across the Tri-State area. Their enthusiasm for discovering new and exciting flavors for the spring season was genuinely inspiring. We were particularly impressed by their deep culinary knowledge and interest in our Jamón Ibérico by Montaraz, which sparked vibrant conversations about menu possibilities. Our artisanal anchovy seafood line by Conservas Arlequin also received wonderful feedback, and there was strong excitement about incorporating our Olivar Santamaria and ZONA product lines—both known for their unique and elevated flavor profiles. These chefs are passionate about innovation, and we're thrilled to be part of their creative process as they plan seasonal offerings. The energy and professionalism at this event were outstanding, and we're already looking forward to continuing these collaborations." Natalia Cabrera, Owner of Khayyan Specialty Foods.  Left: David Ferguson, President at Ferguson Whisky. Right: Neil Scott Johnson, President at Bravo Whisky Golf. "With many leading golf and country clubs in attendance, the vendor show was an excellent way to promote Bravo Whisky Golf and our partnership with Ferguson Whisky ."— Neil Scott Johnson, President at Bravo Whisky Golf.  Left: Max Luna and right Adam Wheeler from Meats by Linz & Linz Heritage Angus. "This was Meats by Linz's first time attending the Met Club Foundation Vendor Show. As we look to expand our footprint in the Northeast market, this was a great opportunity to meet chefs, GMs, and other vendors to network and begin building lasting relationships. Glen Island Harbour Club did a fantastic job hosting the event, and the MCF's team and board members ensured our first time attending was as seamless and productive as possible." — Max Luna, Meats by Linz & Linz Heritage Angus.  Left to right: Michael Smith of Club Leadership Alliance, Christine Deska, Co-founder Bellsboard and NSS with Kurt Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow | Partner at Kopplin Kuebler and Wallace. This was my first experience attending the Vendor Show, and I was very impressed with the scope and quality of the event! Randy Ruder and his visionary leadership in developing this event was clearly evident. From a vendor perspective, we found the day highly beneficial from a 'branding' and relationship development opportunity viewpoint. We interacted with a large number of attendees and established some new relationships and reacquainted with many others. While I didn't have time to walk all of the floors, it did seem like the array of vendors, many of whom we know and respect, were well represented and offered attendees a great pre-season opportunity to be highly productive in meeting and getting demos or lots of personal attention and details about their products and services, without having to travel to a national show or event. We'll definitely be back next year! ~ Kurt Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow | Partner at Kopplin Kuebler and Wallace.  Left to right: Neil Scott Johnson, President at Bravo Whisky Golf; George Stephan, Co-founder at Golf Brands Group; Diana DeLucia, Founder and Editor at Golf Kitchen; David Ferguson, President at Ferguson Whisky, and friends. "I was invited to attend The Vendor Show, sponsored by the Metropolitan Club Foundation (MCF), by my Golf Brands Group board member, Diana DeLucia, founder of Golf Kitchen. It was a great meeting of vendors, club managers, and colleagues to kick off the 2025 golf season. MCF has distributed tens of thousands of dollars to families needing professional education and scholarships. I had the opportunity to meet club managers, executive chefs, and F&B vendors at this fantastic event. And, of course, sample tasty food and beverages served by top industry professionals. Kudos to the vendors and club professionals who support the Show." — George Stephan, Managing Partner at Golf Brands Group, Branding and Digital Marketing. If you are a vendor or a private club, this event is one to schedule on your team's calendar if you are looking to support a meaningful foundation while showcasing your brand to the right people. |
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