Many of the 525 members balked at the dress code for formal dining and wanted more space for banquets and casual dining. By July, casual dining will expand from 90 seats to 190, including a porch. Seating in the formal dining room will shrink from 125 seats to 50, with service only three nights a week. Members' interests in wines fueled Omaha's wine-education program. McCall started printing wine lists in-house and added information cards on tables.
Members never ask for the house wine anymore.
Economy is another aspect entirely. Since clubs are nonprofit, increasing coffers is a challenge. Another source of revenue for the 2,500-member club is initiation fees. The club loses 50 members a year through relocation or death. New members add vigor and initiation fees strengthen the organization economically, he adds.