MENLO CIRCUS CLUB, Atherton, CA
EXECUTIVE CHEF
About the Club: In 1920, a group of young girls gathered on Atherton Estate to play and ride their ponies. As young children will, these girls formed a "club" and decided to give a circus for the enjoyment of their parents, friends and neighbors. Mrs. W. B. Weir, the mother of one of the girls, suggested that the proceeds of this circus be given to the Stanford Convalescent Home (now called Lucile Packard Children's Hospital).
The first circus was held in the summer of 1920 on the W. B. Weir property at Middlefield Road and Glenwood Avenue. Youngsters performed on their ponies and horses while others brought pet cats, goats and dogs which they had taught to do stunts. The first circus raised $500 for the Stanford Convalescent Home.
The following year, the circus grew. Adults promoted the circus into a social event, drawing people from as far north as San Francisco and as far south as San Jose. The third year, the circus became even larger, as did the social event, and it became obvious to parents the circus had outgrown the two fields. In the fall of 1922, land was purchased for the development of Menlo Circus Club, which was incorporated the following year.
Over the years, the Club has been the scene of outstanding horse shows, polo matches, swimming events, tennis tournaments and gala parties. While the present Menlo Circus Club has evolved from its simple family beginnings--children's parties, family picnics, trail rides, etc.--it has always been and continues to be a family club.
Position Specific: The Menlo Circus Club is looking for an Executive Chef with drive and the ability to produce outstanding, high-end restaurant quality food for a la carte dining, special events and banquets. This individual has a true passion for food, with creative talent regarding menu development, ingredients, and presentation. To be successful, the EC is outgoing, energetic, with a member-facing personality. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to readily “connect” with members and build relationships is a must.
An important goal for all of our senior managers is to help with succession planning and career development for their reports. Team building, training, and managing better from a legal compliance perspective. California employment law is complex and requires constant attention to detail and solid documentation of employee performance.
Candidate Qualifications:
- The position requires an engaged leader with a strong culinary vision who will drive dining offerings and ensure quality control and consistency of menu items.
- Is approachable, adaptable, respectful of others regardless of position/experience with sensitivity to situations with the ability to solve problems. Has the ability to interface effectively with committees, including being approachable and open to new ideas.
- The new Executive Chef is passionate about all things culinary. With the influx of younger member families, food trends are focused on more casual events and service that are more family friendly.
- The Executive Chef has strong communication skills, both verbal and written and contributes a column in the bi-monthly newsletter, the ‘Poster.’ Will typically provide introductory remarks at select special events (wine tastings, chef’s table, and the Speaker Series).
- The Executive Chef is expected to attend meetings to provide Information on menu thoughts and ideas. The committee does not dictate menus; however suggestions are offered. Develop menu with a budget and theme for special events working with catering and Entertainment Committee. We debrief after events "how do we raise the bar for next year?"
- The Executive Chef works very closely with GM in developing F&B-related budgets and tracking P&L, monthly and with respect to individual events (internal and banquet).
- It is strongly preferred that any candidate has worked in CA in the past or currently
- Recommended to have private, member-owned club experience or experience working in large, multi-unit luxury resorts or hotel operations (Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons or similar).
