When deciding the content for the cover of Club + Resort, we weigh our choices against the potential significance they hold for our readers. The November cover, featuring the 2023 Club + Resort Chef Salary Survey, is not just another story—it’s a statement. And our choice to place it front and center was a deliberate one.
Countless topics, trends and issues touch the club culinary industry daily. However, not all topics carry equal weight. The survey results illuminated concerns bubbling under the surface for years. We aim to give them the attention they deserve by highlighting these concerns on our cover.
Club chefs are a unique blend of artists and managers. Their plates are brimming not just with delectable dishes but also with the weight of financial responsibilities, team leadership and operational management. Yet, the survey reveals a startling disconnect: While their roles and responsibilities have evolved and grown, the industry’s perception and treatment of them haven’t necessarily kept pace.
This discrepancy is not just about wages or perks, though these are undeniably important. It’s about respect, recognition and the true valuation of a pivotal role in any club’s success. A club can offer the most picturesque golf course or state-of-the-art pickleball courts. Still, without a top-tier culinary experience led by an exceptional executive chef, it risks losing its allure.
Our decision to spotlight this survey is also a call to action. The potential ramifications of inaction are stark: an industry exodus, rising staffing challenges and a shift in the power dynamic that could see clubs grappling with increased demands from the limited talent pool that remains.
It’s also worth noting that these concerns aren’t isolated to chefs. The issues highlighted in the survey might soon become more widespread. This impending shift further underscores the importance of our cover choice. We aim to provoke thought, foster conversations and drive meaningful action.
In publishing, an age-old adage says, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Yet, in magazines, the cover is precisely what catches the eye, conveys the essence of the content, and often determines if a reader will delve deeper. We understand this power. By featuring this survey on our cover, we hope to underscore its gravity and encourage our industry to read, reflect, discuss and act.
