HomeMy WebLinkAboutDWGR - Dinner Service - Kemper Sports MgmtSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: September 24, 2020
PREPARED BY: Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
REQUEST: Authorize Kemper Sports Management to Offer Dinner Service at
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Recommendation
By Minute Motion: Authorize Kemper Sports Management to offer dinner
service at Desert Willow Golf Resort on the Lakeview Terrace, October 1
— December 31, 2020.
Background
The City of Palm Desert opened the Desert Willow Golf Resort Firecliff Golf Course in
1997 and the Mountain View Golf Course in 1999. The opening of the Desert Willow
clubhouse followed in 2000. Since its inception, Desert Willow Golf Resort was
intended to be an economic development tool to attract hospitality development to
Palm Desert (such as hotels and timeshares) as well as a recreational opportunity for
residents. The clubhouse was designed and constructed to provide amenities such as
a pro shop, locker rooms, restaurant/bar, banquet space, and an outdoor terrace. The
restaurant component specifically has always been limited to breakfast, lunch, bar, and
a limited dinner menu for golfers completing their rounds of golf. The restaurant has
traditionally closed by 6:00 p.m. and was intended not to compete with existing Palm
Desert restaurants.
Discussion
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe disruption and impact on all businesses.
The City of Palm Desert and its businesses have been adhering to Riverside County
and the State of California COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols for re -opening
businesses. Under the current California COVID-19 industry guidance, restaurants are
allowed to operate in outdoor dining settings with proper social distancing and safety
protocols.
A large part of Desert Willow's food and beverage revenues come from catering special
events such as business banquets, corporate meetings, weddings, and special events
like "Dining Under the Stars" that provide food and entertainment.
WAStaff Reports - Shared\Staff Reports 09-24-2020\4 - City Clerk 9-24-20\DW Dinner Service PRINTED\SR 9.24-20 DW Outdoor Dining.doc
Staff Report
Desert Willow Evening Dinner at DWGR
September 24, 2020
Page 2of2
Kemper Sports Management, the City's golf resort operator, has requested approval by
the City to allow outdoor dinner service for residents, guests, and golfers on the
Lakeview Terrace. The dinner concept is designed to be a temporary pivot due to the
current restrictions on indoor dining and banquet events. The outdoor dinner service
would be offered October 1 — December 31, 2020, Thursday — Sunday (4:00 p.m.- 8:00
p.m.). The dinner menu would be an extension of the pre-COVID-19 twilight menu and
would be consistent with favorite lunch items, combined with weekly chef dinner
specials and enhanced appetizer options.
Given the current restrictions on indoor dining and limited options for outdoor dining in
Palm Desert, staff believes that allowing outdoor dinner service to residents, visitors
and golfers would offer the community a great outdoor dining venue during the fall
months. The Lakeview Terrance provides is a unique outdoor venue with a shade
cover, outdoor fire pit, fireplace and provides views of both the golf course lake and the
Little San Bernardino Mountains.
If the dinner service is allowed during the fall months, staff and Kemper Sports will
evaluate the operations and collect input from residents, guests, and Palm Desert
restaurateurs. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Desert Willow will return to
focused efforts to selling weddings, banquet events as well as offering feature events
such as "Dining Under the Stars".
Fiscal Impact
Allowing dinner service at Desert Willow Golf Resort will generate additional revenue to
help offset lost revenue from canceled internal and external events. These additional
revenues will help cover Desert Willow's fixed operating costs. Staff will continue to
evaluate the cost benefits of providing dinner service and will report monthly to the
City's Presidents' Committee.
LEGAL REVIEW
N/A
Robert W.
Hargreaves
City Attorney
DEPT. REVIEW
M aV f{- A Gvare�z.
Martin Alvarez
Director of
Economic
Development
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Janet M. Moore
Director of Finance
Interim City Manager Randy Bynder: Randy 8yhdor
ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER
.Andy 'Firestine
Andy Firestine
Assistant City
Manager
WAStaff Reports - Shared\Staff Reports 09-24-2020\4 - City Clerk 9-24-20\DW Dinner Service PRINTED\SR 9-24-20 DW Outdoor Dining.doc