Franklin, Tennessee – Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee recently welcomed John Paulus as Food and Beverage Director and Mark Wakefield as Executive Chef. The 36-hole private club is preparing to open a newly renovated clubhouse with a new food and beverage experience for members.
As Director of Food and Beverage Paulus will lead all front-of-the-house operations. A native of New Jersey and a graduate of Penn State University, Paulus began his food and beverage career with the Walt Disney Corporation. Early in his career, he was introduced to restauranteur and celebrity chef, Chef Scott Conant and subsequently assisted him in opening two New York Times’ three-star restaurants and wine bars. He later joined the Jean-Georges Restaurant in Manhattan as assistant general manager and helped the New French eatery secure a New York Times four-star rating and three Michelin stars. In 2015, Paulus opened his own family restaurant that went on to be named the best restaurant in New Jersey. Most recently, he served as a member of the opening team for Southall Inn and Farm in Nashville.
Nashville native Mark Wakefield joins the Legends Club’s culinary team as executive chef. He recently served as an executive chef for the Compass Group and prior to that spent 15 years at Hillwood Country Club in Nashville, including the last seven as their executive chef. Wakefield studied under French Master Chef Patrice Boley and has won numerous awards and accolades. He believes in sourcing the finest ingredients and allowing their natural flavors to shine.
“We are thrilled to welcome John and Mark to our team,” said Vanderbilt Legends Club General Manager Jim Leisenring. “Their talent, passion, and dedication to excellence will elevate our culinary program and enhance the member experience in our beautifully renovated clubhouse. We look forward to the incredible dining and hospitality they will help bring to Vanderbilt Legends Club as we enter this exciting new chapter.”
Vanderbilt Legends Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses, a par 3 course, and a 19-acre state-of-the-art practice facility. The Club’s newly renovated 35,000 sq. ft. clubhouse will reopen this spring and feature multiple culinary experiences. Vanderbilt Legends Club’s par-72 North Course, stretching 7,190 yards from the championship tees, was designed by Hall of Fame golfer Tom Kite and golf course architect Bob Cupp. The course layout provides an inspired variety of holes playing through lush fields and around lakes and streams. The par-71 South Course, measuring 7,100 yards, takes players through verdant fields winding in the shadow of historic Roper’s Knob hillside. With a mix of wooded and open spaces, the South Course offers a unique and challenging golf experience. Together, these courses are widely recognized as among the finest in Tennessee, having served as the hosts of many local, regional, and national amateur and professional competitions.
For more information on Vanderbilt Legends Club, visit www.vanderbiltlegendsclub.com.
About Troon
Vanderbilt Legends Club is managed by Troon. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 940-plus locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
