Big Canoe Property Owners Association, Inc.

Next, using a Question & Answer format, the most common issues for the new "Clubhouse at Lake Sconti" will be addressed.

Q. What rooms are available for dining and special events?

A. The main level consists of the Mountains Grille with seating for 50, the Sconti Point Room that also seats 50, the Dogwood Room which seats 100 and the Black Bear Pub that seats 42. There is also the Sunset Veranda which is located outside the Black Bear Pub.  This area can be covered by a tent for special events if the party wishes to rent one. Typically, the Mountains Grille and Sconti Point Room will be available for Property Owner dining and the Dogwood Room will be available for special events. Larger special events can take advantage of the Sunset Veranda and the Sconti Point Room. A maximum of once a month the entire upper level (except the Pub) may be reserved for a special event. The Black Bear Pub will always be held for Property Owner use. The Card Room and Club Room located downstairs will be very important spaces for Property Owner activities and food service will be available in these areas when requested.

Q. What are some of the special features of the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti?

A. The Mountains Grille, which is the primary dining area for Property Owners and guests, has magnificent views of the Golf Course and Lake Sconti with the mountains in the background. The Black Bear Pub brings a warm welcoming environment for a beverage after Golf or before and after experiencing Chef Bauer's outstanding dinner.

Q. What is included in the new menus?

A. The new menus, along with hours of operation and the Culinary Team that has been assembled will be featured in this issue of Smoke Signals. Banquet packets, menus and Property Owner information will also be available in the "Clubhouse at Lake Sconti".

Q. How will I be able to make reservations for dining in the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti?

A. Reservations are made through the "Clubhouse at Lake Sconti" by calling is (706) 268-3326. Reservations for individual meal periods can be made up to seven (7) days in advance. The reservation system is currently scheduled to be up and running Monday, June 16. Our first dining period will be Sunday Brunch on June 22.

Q. Will there be a dress code?

A. Yes, the dress code for the "Clubhouse at Lake Sconti" is Country Club casual. Blue Jeans are allowed during lunch in all dining areas, and may be worn in the Black Bear Pub during the evening hours. Men's caps/hats should be removed in the Clubhouse. 

Q. How can we as Property Owners make the operations at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti successful?

A. Two ways. First, make reservations so that the Staff can be prepared to properly serve you. If it is last minute, please call and say you are on your way.  We can tell you what the wait time will be. You can have a cocktail in the Black Bear Pub or the Gathering Room while you wait. This way you will not be disappointed. Second, let us know how we are doing. When we get it right, it goes a long way to future successes by letting the Staff know. If we don't meet expectations we need to know this also. Our progress needs to be monitored constantly.

Q. Can we expect any special programs once the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti is opened?

A. Yes, Food and Beverage Manager Michael Pantall and his Culinary Team have presented five (5) pages of initiatives that will be incorporated into programs over the next two to three years. Some of these include special wine dinners, gourmet dining offerings, and an evening of comedy, along with traditional offerings such as Thanksgiving Buffet, Santa Brunch and Sunday Brunch.

Q. How will current events such as Trivia night be affected?

A. The traditions of Big Canoe will continue to be supported. For some events, our Food and Beverage will serve as an Amenity. You are not required to eat dinner to participate in Trivia night; however, hopefully you will. There will also be events where the Food and Beverage offerings will be the draw and the entertainment will be secondary. An example would be Italian family night, where food would be served family style and music provided by a strolling violinist.

Q. How do we make reservations for a special event?

A. Booking events will be handled by Glenda Wood in the Canoe Lodge.  Her number is 706-268-3346. Glenda will handle the initial booking until the position of Administrative Assistant/Property Ownership Coordinator is filled.

Q. Once a date is secured what happens next?

A. Within 48 hours of securing the date, you will be sent a banquet packet and will receive a phone call from Catering Manager Jackie Hopper or a member of the Culinary Team.

Q. What are the room charges?

A. There will be no room charges for private Property Owner functions. Food and beverage minimums have been established in lieu of room charges.

Q. What constitutes a Property Owner function?

A.  A private function that is not business related and includes the immediate family. Examples: daughter or son's wedding, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, or a private dinner party that is paid directly by the Property Owner.

Q. What are the charges for non-Property Owners or Property Owner business functions?

A. These vary based on size of function and location. The Catering department will review these options when inquires are made to insure the best option for your group.

Q. What about my bridge group?  Do we have to book an area and are we charged a minimum or room charge?

A. We have two rooms on the lower level, the Card Room and the Club Room. These rooms will be used for Property Owner groups such as bridge, Mah Jongg, etc. There is no charge for the use of these rooms.  Booking will be on a first come first serve basis. Keep in mind that tables are booked on an individual basis, not the room as a block. We encourage the purchase of food and beverage either in the Card or Club Room, or join us on the main floor for dining.

Q. Will there be monthly food and beverage minimums?

A. No, there will be no monthly minimums. There will be function minimums in lieu of room charges. The minimums will be $8 per person for breakfast and lunch and $15 for dinner.  The minimums include food and beverages but do not include service charge or tax.

Q. What are the service charges?

A. 18% for Property Owners; 22% for Non-Property Owners.

Q. May I bring my own food and/or beverage to the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti?

A. Complimentary coffee, ice and water will be available in the Card and Club Rooms on the lower level. Outside food and beverage will not be allowed, nor will any outside catering. If there is a specific bottle of wine that is not on our wine list you will be allowed to bring in the bottle.  A $10 corkage fee per bottle will be charged.

Q. Does this apply to Canoe Lodge?

A. You may bring your own food and/or beverage to the Canoe Lodge as has been the policy in the past. We do require each group to handle the set up and cleaning duties for their function.  If any event is catered, the arrangements are to be made through our Culinary Staff and we have the right of first refusal for the catering service.

Q. If I have on golf shoes how may I enter Black Bear Pub after a round of golf?

A. We would prefer you enter from the side entrance off the Sunset Veranda to the left of the "Clubhouse at Lake Sconti".  We want to minimize traffic on the wood floor in the hallway while we learn how the finish responds to soft spike traffic.

Q. Can I bring my own food and beverage when I use the Club and/or Card Room?

A. No, outside food and beverage is not allowed.

Q. Will parking be an issue?

A. Although there are 200 parking spaces, during peak Golf times parking will be a consideration. As was the practice in the old Clubhouse, certain areas of the parking lot will be designated for dining patrons parking. There will be convenient drop off points for golfers and diners.  We will be assessing the feasibility of shuttle service for large events

Q. What are the hours of operations going to be?

A. They are published within this special edition of Smoke Signals. Breakfast hours will be the biggest addition to our current schedule.

Q. What happens to the Swim Club at Disharoon when the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti opens?

A. This area will be shut down, with the exception of special events, during the summer. We will be looking at renovations to this area over the summer and assessing what opportunities we may have for this area in the fall.

Daily buffets will be held pool side to handle food service in this area.