Power outages are inevitable, but how we respond sets the tone for our team, our membership, and the club’s reputation. For Club Managers, a sudden loss of power during a meal period can be a moment of chaos or a demonstration of cool-headed leadership and preparedness. Your response can make or break the guest experience—and even strengthen member trust.

Plan Like It’s Inevitable (Because It Is)

Before an outage ever happens, ensure you have:

• An emergency operations plan: Include clear roles for F&B staff, culinary teams, and front desk.
• Battery-powered lighting: Keep lanterns or rechargeable LED lights in key dining, kitchen, and hallways.
• Generator access: If your club doesn’t already have a generator system that supports kitchen equipment and HVAC, now is the time to advocate for it.
• Printed menus: Keep backup copies of your menu (or a limited version) on hand for power-free service.
• Training for the team: Hold a quarterly “what-if” drill that includes a power loss during dinner service.

Communication is Everything

When the lights go out, how you communicate determines how members will feel about the experience.

• Immediately update staff and guests with calm, clear language. Reassure them that your team is trained for this.
• Have pre-scripted messages ready for email/text updates to members if needed, especially for large events or dinner service.
• Keep the front desk and management team in the loop to assist with rerouting calls and fielding questions.

Streamline Service—Don’t Panic

A limited, no-cook menu (think: composed salads, cheese/charcuterie, sandwiches, or pre-prepped dishes) ensures you can still offer hospitality without relying on a hot line.

• Leverage cold stations: Many items can be plated beautifully with minimal power usage.
• Activate outdoor cooking areas if available: Some clubs have outdoor cooking areas equipped with gas stoves or grills that can continue running.
• Serve with intention: Dim candlelight or lanterns can turn an inconvenience into an elevated, unique experience,  especially if the team is confident and gracious.

Think Beyond the Kitchen

• Bar service: Ensure your bartenders know what they can still offer safely without powered equipment.
• Bathrooms: Make sure to have emergency lighting or glow sticks in restrooms for safety.
• POS & Billing: Handwritten checks may feel outdated, but they’re a lifesaver when your POS system is down. Have a stock of guest checks on hand.

Post-Outage Reflection

After power is restored:

• Debrief with your team: What worked? What didn’t? Capture it while it’s fresh.
• Communicate with members: A short follow-up note thanking them for their patience and spotlighting how your team rose to the occasion goes a long way.
• Update your protocol: Each incident teaches us something new. Adjust your plans accordingly.

Conclusion
In the Club world, expectations are high, especially when things go wrong. But a well-prepared team, a calm demeanor, and a service-first mindset can turn a power outage into a moment of hospitality excellence. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s poise, preparation, and proactive communication.

So the next time the lights go out, let your club shine.

About the Author

With over two decades of comprehensive experience across multiple facets of the hospitality industry, MacKenzie Triana, CCM, brings a proven track record of leadership and innovation. Her expertise spans food and beverage operations, general club management, financial analysis, and optimizing systems and processes through technology. As a Certified Club Manager (CCM), MacKenzie’s skill set includes procurement, event management, capital project oversight, and strategic planning. She is dedicated to service excellence and continuous improvement. Reach MacKenzie at MacKenzie@ConsultingRCS.com