--- title: When the Lights Go Out at Your Club description: Ensure your club handles power outages with poise and preparedness, turning chaos into hospitality excellence with strategic planning and effective communication. image: https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hubfs/Be%20Prepared%20sign%20with%20sky%20background-1.jpeg --- [![RCS Hospitality Group](https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hubfs/RCS_Hospitality_Group_March2020/Images/RCS%20Hospitality%20Group%20hdr.png)](https://www.consultingrcs.com/) [![Instagram](https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hubfs/RCS_Hospitality_Group_March2020/Images/5dccb18e137dcb53772466c3_instagram-gray.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/consultingrcs/) [![Facebook](https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hubfs/RCS_Hospitality_Group_March2020/Images/5dccb1655095d0523be366cd_fb-gray.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/reidconsultingservices/) [![Linkedin](https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hubfs/RCS_Hospitality_Group_March2020/Images/5dccb158137dcb1e2b2465ff_linkedin-gray.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/reid-consulting-services-inc./) [Contact Us ](https://www.consultingrcs.com/contact) # When the Lights Go Out at Your Club July 18, 2025 ![Be Prepared sign with sky background-1](https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Be%20Prepared%20sign%20with%20sky%20background-1.jpeg?width=500&height=311&name=Be%20Prepared%20sign%20with%20sky%20background-1.jpeg) 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 hosp![MacKenzie Triana](https://blog.consultingrcs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MacKenzie%20Triana.jpg?width=141&height=176&name=MacKenzie%20Triana.jpg)itality 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*   Connect. Let's connect and discuss how we can collaborate to achieve your goals, plan for the future, and ensure bottom-line success. 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