2024-2025 Employee Handbook REVISED 9.10.24
2024-2025 Employee Handbook REVISED 9.10.24
2024-2025 Employee Handbook REVISED 9.10.24
2024-2025
EMPLOYEE TRAINING MANUAL
The Sanctuary Golf Club
Sanibel, FL
We extend a warm welcome to you as a valued member of The Sanctuary Golf Club team. Your presence
here signifies your dedication to excellence and your commitment to upholding the exceptional standards
that define our Club.
Working in the club industry offers unique advantages that set it apart from other professions. The
interactions you'll have with our esteemed Members provide invaluable training and experience in the art of
interpersonal communication. Remember, our Members choose The Sanctuary Golf Club for the assurance of
receiving outstanding quality, value, and service. By making exceptional service our hallmark, we ensure our
continued success.
Your performance will be measured not only by your appearance, efficiency, and knowledge but also by your
attitude and sense of urgency. Every Member's perception of their club is influenced by the service they
receive from you. Keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your selection
to join our team was based on our confidence in your ability to meet our high standards and embrace the
culture of The Sanctuary Golf Club. Providing the best service entails being present for our Members' needs
and even anticipating those needs before they arise.
At The Sanctuary Golf Club, we uphold specific standards and rules that set us apart from other clubs. Our
success is largely a result of the dedication our employees demonstrate in helping us maintain these elevated
standards.
We take immense pride in our comprehensive training program and the content of this manual. This resource
has been meticulously assembled to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of our standard
operating procedures and an overview of The Sanctuary Golf Club's ethos.
Congratulations on joining our team, and welcome to The Sanctuary Golf Club! We eagerly anticipate
collaborating with you to make this year the most successful and enjoyable one yet.
We strive to be among the best clubs in America with an active and growing Membership and financial
strength. We perpetuate a culture of life-enriching friendships in an environment of natural beauty.
HIS TORY OF T HE CL UB
The Sanctuary’s golf course opened in 1992. Shortly after it was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the best
private courses in the United States, providing a challenging yet pleasurable round of golf. The Sanctuary Golf
Club was established in 1993 and in November of 1999, The Sanctuary became a private Equity Club. The
Club swiftly became the premier lifestyle, leisure, and dining location of choice on the Islands for Members.
The love Sanctuary Members have for the Island is not one sided. With the Club’s deeply established history
on the Island, its Members have become an integral and beloved part of the Sanibel and Captiva
communities. Members cherish this connection and have participated in raising contributions for local
charitable organizations, promoting education at The Sanibel School, assisting in sea turtle protection
programs, and in 2019 establishing The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation to continue their philanthropic
efforts on Sanibel and Captiva.
As of 2023, there are over 900 Members who call The Sanctuary Golf Club their second home, and we hope
you will feel the same connection during your time here.
F&B Goals.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Name Recognition......................................................................................................................................... 5
Exceptional Service ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Social Skills of a Great Server ........................................................................................................................ 6
Attention to Detail ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Present a Positive, Helpful and Attentive Attitude .............................................................................................. 7
Smile ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Face the Member .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Just say “Yes” ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Be a Great Team Member............................................................................................................................. 7
Strive for Organization and Efficiency........................................................................................................... 7
Proper Posture and Presence ....................................................................................................................... 7
Communication............................................................................................................................................. 8
Recover with Style ........................................................................................................................................ 8
The “WOW” Factor ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Ways you may “WOW” a Member ............................................................................................................... 8
“WOW your Teammates ............................................................................................................................... 9
General Employee Policies, Procedures and Expectations of Staff .................................................................... 10
- Respect teammates and coworkers: The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of
each member is the team! -
- Know what the member wants before they even know they want it. -
- Focus on the “little things” - these “little things” are what separates us from other clubs and restaurants. -
Name Recognition
Exceptional Service
Social Skills
Attention to Detail
NAME RECOGNITION
Name recognition is a valuable service technique that should be mastered and implemented by the entire
Sanctuary Golf Club staff. Addressing Members and their guests by name indicates their importance, as well
as the respect staff Members have for individuals and their specific needs. The ability to ascertain names or
recall them from previous encounters is often impressive and appreciated by Members. The following
guidelines can assist you in maximizing opportunities to make effective use of Member recognition:
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
• Know ingredients, preparations, procedures and prices
• Recognize when Members have challenges deciding, and offer suggestions
• Control the timing and pace of the table
• Ask for assistance from coworkers before they are behind in service
• Suggest wine
• Build a genuine connection with the Members
• Walk through sections and make eye contact with every table even if not going to that table
• Communicate effectively with the MOD (Manager on Duty) when asked for a status on each table
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
The following is a list of details that all employees must keep in mind while on duty. Remembering and
following through on details often describes competent and professional service. Members are looking
forward to enjoyable and memorable visits, and details done well are an important part of their experience.
SMILE
Smile often and smile genuinely. Think about the first impression you make when greeting Members and
guests. A favorable first impression will make your shift, as well others dining experience nothing but
enjoyable! Always be friendly and welcoming to everyone.
This includes Members, guests, and co-workers. Do not argue with any Member… no matter who is right or
wrong. Put a smile on and make them feel good!
Do not hesitate to talk to your manager whenever needed. Your manager wants feedback from staff. This is
vital to ensure each shift is running smoothly.
Although “Wow Factor” may not be easily defined, it does bring to light the concept that if you pay attention
to detail then you can create something that can “WOW”!
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Each employee has an obligation to demonstrate personal responsibility and high standards of professional
conduct and ethical behavior at all times. If an individual’s behavior violates a Club policy and/or interferes
with the orderly and efficient operation of the Club, corrective disciplinary measures will be taken. Refer to
the Employee Handbook for details.
Occasionally it is necessary to be late or absent from work due to illness, emergencies or unexpected
circumstances beyond your control. If you are going to be late or absent, you must notify your manager as
soon as possible.
Employees who continue a pattern of excessive absences, early departures and/or tardiness may be
subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
• Give yourself enough time to account for traffic off and on the Island
• DO NOT SPEED AND USE EXTRA CAUTION ON WULFERT ROAD; drive under 30 mph speed limit
paying attention to golfers, pedestrians, bicyclists, contractors, etc.
• Arriving 8 or more minutes late for a scheduled shift will be considered tardy. If you’re going to be
later than this, you must inform your manager ahead of time
• Do not clock-in more than 10 minutes prior to your scheduled shift time without approval
• You are to be in uniform and ready to work at the time you clock-in
In an effort to clarify and ensure consistency, the following attendance guidelines have been established:
Management reserves the right to use discretion when determining whether or not an employee’s absences
and tardiness are deemed excessive and warrant progressive disciplinary action. Extenuating circumstances
will be addressed on an individual basis.
It is each employee’s responsibility to clock-in upon the start of work and clock-out at the end of their shift.
Clocking out at the start of your lunch break and clocking back in when your lunch break is over is required.
Accurate timekeeping is necessary to pay employees properly.
Your clock-ins/clock-outs are approved by your manager, and it is expected that you are on the clock for
scheduled hours. Clocking in or out for another employee is prohibited and cause for disciplinary action, up
to and including termination.
If you forget to clock in or out, please inform your manager as soon as possible. Changes or corrections can
be requested in Paylocity or by speaking with your manager or HR who can approve the edits.
SCHEDULED SHIFTS
A Food and Beverage Manager will call or text you by approximately 1:30 p.m. the day of your shift to notify
you if are cut from your shift. You must be prepared to come to work immediately if you are needed. Not
answering your phone or not being available to work is considered a “no show” and may result in disciplinary
action. Please avoid excessive texting to management requesting to be cut or asking how “busy we are
tonight”.
• You must clock out for lunch and clock back in at the end of your lunch. Lunch breaks that are
diminutive will not be deducted from your timecard.
• Employees are allotted 30 minutes for a meal break. Please be aware of the time you leave for your
break. Being tardy coming back from your break is unacceptable. Please give yourself enough time
to get ready after dinner and be back on the clock within that 30-minute time frame. Failure to
adhere to this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Eating in the Club’s dining areas will not be permitted at any time; eating anywhere other than a
designated Employee Breakroom is not permitted, unless authorized by your manager.
• If an employee meal is suspended due to volumes of business, your time will be adjusted by
management.
• Employees are responsible for cleaning their dining plates, cups and utensils into bus tubs provided,
and any other items on the table considered trash.
• The Employee Breakroom will be monitored for daily cleanliness. Please do your part to keep this
area clean and tidy. Clean the surface of your table with provided sanitizer wipes.
• At no time is it permissible to receive a meal prepared off the line without Chef or manager approval.
• Smoke breaks are not a “requirement”, they are a “privilege”. All smoke breaks at the end of the
shift need manager’s approval. When returning from an approved smoke break you must wash your
hands and rinse your mouth, and not return smelling of smoke.
• Employees may not take a break if the break leaves a guest unattended or interferes with the timely
preparation and serving of food and beverages.
• Breaks not authorized by the manager on duty will be subject to a verbal warning and further
disciplinary action for failure to adhere to this policy.
• USE STAFF BATHROOMS - WASH YOUR HANDS WELL and OFTEN. Please do your part to keep the
bathroom clean.
All employees are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with proper hygiene, safety, and
good taste. A neat, clean, professional appearance is a requirement for every role!
Your fellow employees, as well as our Members and guests, have a right to expect general cleanliness from
you, as you do from them. Cleanliness is an essential part of providing a positive impression and prevents
pathogens from skin and hair from coming in contact with food. Good oral hygiene and regular bathing and
use of deodorant/antiperspirant are required. Fingernails should be trimmed and conservatively manicured;
regular/frequent hand washing should be practiced.
All clothing must be properly sized, freshly laundered, without wrinkles and free of holes, rips, fraying, and
stains. An observable lack of undergarments and exposed undergarments, sheer clothing, clothing with wear
and tear or soiled, any clothing or accessories that may present a safety hazard are not acceptable.
Last but not least, always remember to put on your SMILE! Our Members will feel welcome, relaxed,
comfortable and happy they have come to the Club.
SHIRTS
• Polo shirts with Club logo are provided, must be worn for setup, and optional for breakdown after all
Members have departed. Staff with tattoos will be provided with a long sleeve polo shirt.
• Dress shirts are to be worn for service and must be on for lineup. The shirt must be tucked in.
• Servers are required to wear an apron; each server will be provided with two (2) aprons
PANTS
• Pants must be black and be considered “classic-fit” “Flat Front “
• The following types of bottoms are not acceptable: cargo pants, shorts, jeans, or jean-like material
(“jeggings”), sweatpants, leggings, yoga pants or similar exercise wear.
• Ensure pants are not skintight when standing up.
FOOTWEAR/SOCKS
• Footwear should be comfortable, black, and slip resistant.
• Open toed or open back shoes are not permitted.
• Socks must be worn at all times and should be black or an approved pattern if not black.
• Ensure when standing up that pants cover your socks.
HAIR/FACIAL HAIR
• Hair should appear clean, combed, and tidy
• Unnatural hair colors are not acceptable
• If hair is dyed, it must be a uniform, natural-looking color
• Hair longer than shoulder-length must be secured (pulled back or up) and not obstruct visibility,
including falling into the eye area
• Facial hair must be short/close, clean and neatly groomed/trimmed at all times. What is deemed
acceptable is at management’s discretion
JEWELRY/PIERCINGS
• Jewelry must be minimal, conservative, and appropriate to a professional atmosphere and should
not interfere with performing your job tasks or otherwise present a safety hazard
• Piercings should appear only in the earlobes, with no more than 2 (two) piercings per earlobe.
• Ear gauges or visible piercings in any other area (e.g., nose, lips, cheek, eyebrow, and tongue) are not
permissible while on duty
• Pierced jewelry is only permitted in the ears, unless it is intended to disguise a piercing that would
otherwise be visible (such as using a clear or flesh-colored disk)
MAKEUP
Makeup should not be excessive and worn in a professional and natural manner.
OTHER
Fragrant products, including but not limited to perfumes, colognes, and scented body lotions or hair
products, should be used in moderation out of concern for others with sensitivities or allergies.
The above list is not all inclusive and Management is responsible for upholding the standards of dress
and appearance and reserves the right to determine what is appropriate and acceptable regarding
appearance standards and requirements at The Sanctuary.
Any staff member who does not meet the appearance or attire standards may be subject to corrective action
and may be asked to leave the premises to change. Hourly paid staff Members will not be compensated for
any work time missed because of failure to comply with the Club’s requirements.
This brief meeting is held before each shift. Chef will give a menu update describing all of the features and
new items for the shift. You will receive an update of any changes or deleted (86’ed) items.
• BE ON TIME AND IN UNIFORM: All staff are to be fully dressed in uniform and prepared for service.
Uniforms are to be reviewed by the manager at this time. This includes aprons, shirts unstained
buttoned and pressed, pants neat and pressed, ties unstained and pressed, shoes and socks all black,
black belt, hair is neat and tidy, all staff is presentable and clean shaven, service pads, and wine
openers, and name tags always worn.
• The meeting should be fun, crisp, and informative.
• Members and repeat Guests should be discussed noting and recording preferences and
idiosyncrasies.
• The sampling of special dishes should take place only after the Chef has completely explained the
dish. The sampling should be discussed to get a better understanding of flavors, textures, style, and
appropriate wine selections.
• Limited menu item counts should be confirmed with the Chef.
• Knowledge checks with the staff should happen regularly to confirm familiarity with specials and
ingredients, as well as wines and liquor offerings.
• Special requests including birthdays, anniversaries, dietary requests, requested servers, table
configurations, highchairs, and any other unique opportunities should be explained during this
meeting.
• Written tests on service procedures, food and beverage, and other standards are encouraged and
may be prompted at any time with or without advanced notice.
10 STEPS OF SERVICE
Check with MOD before changing into polo shirt from dinner shirt. Do not begin breakdown/setup when
Members are still present. We do not want to make them feel rushed, as if we are closing and kicking them
out.
LINEN
The linen is in tin 2, lower veranda POS Station and down in the Banquet storage room.
TABLE LINEN
#23 #24 #25 80 INCHES
CHAIR PLACEMENT
Chairs are to be pushed up to the table, or just touching the tablecloth, not under the table. Approximate
this placement with chairs in the grill if tablecloths are not being used.
1. Set table
Set the tables with silverware, B&B plates, water glasses
2. If wine glasses have been prearranged, pre-‐set appropriate wine glasses/champagne flute
3. After Member has been greeted and seated, the service team will:
i. Pour wine or take cocktail order (always use a cocktail tray for beverage service) Remove
any unused cocktail glasses and all cocktail napkins
ii. The Manager will give specific wine service instructions
iii. Plated dinner service often revolves around a holiday or event
iv. Plated dinner service is often very time sensitive
You are responsible for understanding the information contained in this manual, and if you have any
questions, it is your responsibility to ask management.
By signing below I acknowledge the receipt of this manual, and I will follow the standards of operation,
policies and procedures contained within the manual. I understand that The Sanctuary Golf Club has
complete discretion to modify its policies, rules, and practices at any time, to the extent allowed by
applicable law.
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Print Name
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Signature
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