Part of the private club experience is presenting staff as polished and professional
[AIKEN, S.C.— MARCH 4, 2020] — When Michael Ponzio arrived at the Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) last Fall as Executive Chef, he noticed that kitchen staff were wearing stock aprons that were plain, thin, dingy, and always appeared wrinkled. He immediately placed a call to Riegel Linen, the supplier he had worked with previously while heading culinary operations at local Medinah Country Club. Today, all chefs and cooks are outfitted with crisp Craft Collection Bib Aprons by Riegel. Not only do the aprons provide uniformity, cleanliness, and functionality while identifying staff to members, but the “TruBlue” twill-weave apparel with split pocket and self ties complements the Club’s royal blue and gold color palette.
“Being a member at the Union League Club of Chicago means being part of something bigger than yourself,” Chef Ponzio said. “Unlike a hotel where different guests come and go almost daily, we serve a membership. People choose to dine with us regularly and get to know staff on a more personal level.
“Part of the Club experience is the polished service,” he said. “Chefs and cooks should present themselves with as much passion and professionalism as they do their food. Partnering with Riegel has allowed my team to do just that. When they put on a Craft Collection apron, it makes everyone feel more accomplished and put together. I’m a firm believer that if an employee looks and feels good, he or she will create a better experience for members. For those reasons – and the fact that spills don’t show, and the fabric holds its integrity in the wash – we are proud to wear Riegel Linen Craft Collection aprons every day.”
The Craft Collection by Riegel Linen epitomizes the adjective in its name – art, something special made with pride. This apron is the result of listening to what Riegel customers want, not telling them what they need. The collection thrives in industrial laundering settings while looking great in the restaurants, bars and hotels with an attitude.
“The Craft Collection is a good representation of country club stature,” said Riegel VP of Sales Chris Gowdy. “Like Chef Michael said, the aprons make kitchen staff feel special, even valued by Club operations. We are thrilled that ULCC is so impressed by this spun-polyester, color-fast, easy-to-iron, denim-inspired piece. There are a lot of high-priced aprons in the market, but they are not suitable for industrial laundry. Craft Collection aprons look good for a long time, wash after wash after wash.”
In addition to looking good and washing wonderfully, Craft Collection aprons are affordable too.
The ULCC is rated one of the top private clubs in the country. The Clubhouse facilities include two restaurants, a gastro pub, a coffee shop, event spaces that seat from two to 400, six floors of fitness facilities, large and small conference rooms, a library, remote workspaces, and 180 overnight guest rooms.
Riegel Linen is a leading importer, manufacturer, and supplier of tablecloths, napkins, sheets, towels, bedding, and other linens for hotels, restaurants, linen suppliers, retailers, and healthcare customers. Riegel is headquartered in Aiken, SC, and operates a manufacturing facility in McCormick, S.C., and a network of salespeople and warehouses strategically located across the United States.
Chef Ponzio can be seen wearing a Craft Collection apron by Riegel Linen on an upcoming show with the Golf Channel. For more information on the Craft Collection product line, click here.
