Jordan Naftal Brings Years Of Restaurant Expertise To Wellington National Golf Club
Story and Photos by Lenore Phillips
Wellington National Golf Club recently announced that well-known Wellington chef and businessman Jordan Naftal has signed on as director of food and beverage services at the club.
Naftal, formally of the acclaimed Jordan’s Bistro, has ambitious plans for Wellington National, including dynamic cuisine, plus putting the final touches on the Champions Bistro, which is scheduled to open over the next few months.
“I am thrilled and honored to be taking on the food and beverage operations of Wellington National. I am confident that we will do amazing things here,” Naftal said. “The potential for this striking space is limitless, and I am excited about continuing to serve many of our guests we know from past years at Jordan’s.”
Naftal made his way to Wellington with his family in 2013, where he opened an upscale steak house, Jordan’s Bistro, known for Florida-grown steaks and unique wines. The Naftals were a consistent presence at the front of their restaurant and developed a warm reputation in the community. After years of working independently, the Naftals decided it was time for a new venture and began exploring their options.
“Wellington is a seasonal town, which presents challenges to local businesses. We would go through 8 months of trying to break even, and then winter would come and we would catch up, and then start all over. That was a tortuous cycle,” Naftal explained. “We are passionate about what we do, and I think we did a great job, yet there just wasn’t enough support. When Doug Marty approached us about partnering with Wellington National, the timing was perfect.”
With the help of his team, including Executive Chef David Guilford and Sous Chef Enrique Noble, Naftal will manage the food and beverage operations at Wellington National, including operating both the Wine Bar and the Champions Bistro.
“The plan is to take the menu we currently offer in the Wine Bar and transfer that to the Champions Bistro,” Naftal said. “The Champions Bistro is going to be such a great experience, with its open kitchen floor plan and beautiful long bar overlooking the magnificent 18th hole. The atmosphere is going to be unlike anything else Wellington currently has to offer.”
Members who dine at Wellington National can look forward to an outstanding menu that will change frequently to ensure a varied and enjoyable eating experience. Naftal also uses locally sourced, fresh ingredients that contribute to the seasonal flavorings of his cuisine. In addition to the steaks Naftal is known for, the Champions Bistro menu will offer daily lunch specials and seasonal dinner entrées. As director of beverage services, Naftal will review and enhance the wine lists and add his own unique infused liquors.
“Among other things, we make our own vanilla and pineapple liquors to make drinks like a Hawaiian martini, which is a delicious cocktail,” he explained. “I also love to make a true Old Fashioned made from scratch.”
Wellington National will also offer full-service catering for member and non-member events on site. The open architectural design of the club is perfect for hosting medium to large charity fundraisers, weddings and events, as well as serving the country club members daily.
“Hosting events keeps it exciting. Each event is different, and it challenges our team to think creatively,” Naftal said. “Ideally, the events we host will help expose Wellington National to new people who are unfamiliar with the great amenities we offer. I am looking forward to doing everything from weddings to charity events to wine tastings or even a cigar tasting.”
Chip Smith and Doug Marty, the club’s founding partners, are excited that Naftal decided to joined the team.
“We are thrilled to be able to announce that Chef Jordan and his team have come on board at Wellington National,” they said. “He brings with him an unmatched reputation of excellence and professionalism, and we think he will establish our restaurants as stand-out dining venues in the Wellington community.”
Naftal isn’t wasting any time settling into his new position. “I see a lot of people who were regulars at Jordan’s, plus I am meeting new people here,” he said. “I have had an incredibly warm welcome here, and I am looking forward to continuing to do what I am passionate about, in this great space.”
Wellington National Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. To learn more about membership opportunities, or about hosting an event, call (561) 333- 5731 or visit www.wellingtonnationalgolf club.com.
