Golden Fork Awards 2023: Most Improved Facility

The Most Improved F&B venue, Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee, remodeled multiple dining spaces, from pub to private to fine dining to casual.

Entries were judged on concept and planning, aesthetics and appearance and financial impact. Judges were John Buser, general manager of TPC Colorado and a Golden Fork winner in 2021; Bob Yager, director of architecture at Marsh & Associates; Bill Langley, general manager and COO at Quail Ridge Country Club; and Mark Melzer, principal at MDR Architects.

Here are the honorees for Most improved F&B Facility in the 2023 Golden Fork competition.

Click here to see the New F&B Facility winners.

Most Improved F&B Facility

FIRST PLACE
Cherokee Country Club
Knoxville, Tennessee
Private
Architect: BarberMcMurry Architects
Interior Design: The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry
Contractor: Hickory Construction
Project completed: April 2022

Cherokee Country Club has renovated its dining spaces, adding a centrally located buffet room and a separate private dining space with rentable wine lockers for members.

Walnut wood paneling throughout the pub and entry areas added warmth, while deep tones of green and ebony helped create a masculine feel.

The large central bar has a metal and mirrored overbar, which hides TVs. The wine room is the backdrop for both the bar and fine dining space, and its natural light flows into the pub.

The buffet room is situated across from the kitchen to ease server traffic flow. Overall, the rooms flow seamlessly together while still maintaining their own identity and feel.

Since the renovation of all the F&B spaces, the club has seen a 46% increase in F&B spending. The club reports that a recent membership survey gave the new space and dining program a 96% satisfaction rating.

What the judges said:
“Casual elegance that flows evenly from room to room.” – John Buser, general manager, TPC Colorado

“A tasteful variety of dining and social option, with a unifying character and quality of detail.” – Bob Yager, director of architecture at Marsh & Associates

“The designer shows an excellent command of materials and detailing and reflecting a very refined, exquisite setting for enjoying the noteworthy cuisine.”  – Mark Melzer, principal, MDR Architects

SECOND PLACE
Boca Bay Pass Club
Boca Grande, Florida
Private
Architect: AM Design Group
Interior Design: AM Design Group
Contractor: DeAngelis Diamond
Project completed: December 2021

Boca Bay Pass Club’s general manager,…