We were told by a few of the clubs to see Portage Country Club to get a feel for a club in the Akron area. Unfortunately Mr. LeFevour couldn't attend but Mr. Alverez was kind enough to show us the beautiful club. With 538 members, the club is vibrant but very old in membership and facilities. The club was booming during Akron's prime with rubber industry such as Goodrich and Firestone who were both founding members of the club. Unfortunately for Portage, the average age hovered around 70- the oldest club we have seen so far with four members dying this past month of old age.
Food and Bev:
Unbelievably, Portage is able to turn a profit on their al la carte food. This is possible after cutting half a million dollars in labor cost without losing the exclusive value. Mr. Alverez taught us that with a hard working staff and everyone working as a team, the job can be done WELL with fewer people. Portage offered high
and low dining including a men's grill. The dining room had a beautiful bar with a painting of two Indian's carrying their canoe overland 'portaging.' Portage philosophy on service is good attitude and good effort. Also, they are very careful when it comes to scheduling and portion control so no food is wasted.
Golf:
The golf course holds 11-12 charity tournaments a year. Members are proud of their course with the history of a famous pro such as Master's classic Espinoza. They have a thriving caddy program. The pro owns the proshop for now, but the pro is retiring soon and the club will take it over. The course is surrounded by urban activity, but still has great maintenance.
Portage is hoping to add a fitness center soon and is trying to adapt to the younger generation. It is eight minutes from Akron and very urban.
yeah Akron!!
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