Veteran Food Beverage Director Added to the Ranks at The Palencia Club



The Palencia Club, located within the award winning, master-planned Palencia community, will soon be experiencing a few changes -- not only will there be some brand new items on the menu, but a newly-hired driving force behind the culinary direction of the club's private dining room and open-to-the-public cafe.

Allen Lancaster, a highly "seasoned" food and beverage professional, with experience ranging from intimate luxury-style clubs to five-star rated hotels, will be filling the role of Food & Beverage Director.

Beginning later this month Lancaster will oversee all areas of the private club's food and beverage operations, including overseeing banquets, budgeting, and motivating staff. The latter will be where his Bachelor or Arts Degree in Psychology from The College of William and Mary come in handy. He will also work closely with executive chef Hal Holanchock to develop menus for the Caf on the Green, Members Only dining room and events ranging from elaborate mid morning brunches to elegant evening wine tastings.

Although his plate will be piled high, Lancaster is more than ready for the challenge. "I'm really looking forward to this opportunity," said Lancaster. "From the first moment I stepped into The Palencia Club, I've been really impressed by what I saw. The level of quality offered in the dining venues is already outstanding, and I plan to use my experience and skills to raise the bar even further."

Before coming to The Palencia Club, Lancaster led the world-renowned Tournament and Players Club at Sawgrass to win two consecutive Premier Cru Awards - an honor bestowed by TPC national headquarters for outstanding performance and exceptional customer service. And as part of the team at Amelia Island Plantation he was responsible for the daily function of the oceanfront restaurant located in the Amelia Inn, as well as the lunge and room service departments.

Further away from the sandy beach and gently swaying palm trees of northeast Florida, Lancaster directed nearly 15,000 square feet of resort and banquet facilities at one of North Carolina's premier resort destinations -- Pine Needles Lodge, Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club. In Texas his responsibilities at the Shadow Hawk and Houstonian Golf Clubs, and Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa included providing guests with intimate and personal fine wine and food experiences. While in Washington, Lancaster was the Food and Beverage Service Manger at The Hay Adams Hotel, located directly across the street from the White House. As service manager he was responsible for providing flawless service to the most influential people in the country.

It's quite an impressive resume, one that The Palencia Club's general manager, Jackie Wilson, just couldn't resist. "I was very impressed by Allen's extensive experience and consummate professionalism," said Wilson. "This is a guy who really knows his stuff." Not only does he posses a unique understanding of a resort destination like The Palencia Club, with its varied dining venues, but he also shows a flair for elevating food and beverage operations to the Five-Star level. The Caf on the Green, Bar & Grill and Member's Dining area will all greatly benefit from Allen's intimate knowledge of the food and beverage industry."

The Palencia Club, located in the heart of the Palencia communities' Village Center, is a 33,000 square foot clubhouse that features a member's dining room, the European influenced Caf on the Green, and an all-American bar and grill overlooking the championship Arthur Hills designed golf course. Now open to the public, Caf on the green at Palencia offers casual upscale dining for lunch and dinner. The caf also offers a full bar and extensive wine list, with Martini Sunset Specials from 6 to 9 p.m. and live musical entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information please call (904) 810-0500, or visit www.VivaPalencia.com.





Veteran Food Beverage Director Added to the Ranks at The Palencia Club