Foodbuy Club & Leisure Guide_2026

CLUB & LEISURE BUYER GUIDE

Products and services covering tee to table to maximize your rebates and savings

WELCOME

Welcome to the 2026 Club & Leisure Buyer Guide!

As the industry continues to evolve, we’re committed to helping our members stay ahead of the curve by providing insights into industry trends, innovative purchasing solutions, and cost-saving opportunities.

Our Club & Leisure Guide has been carefully curated to meet the unique needs of the club and leisure sector — helping you access the right products, services, and suppliers to elevate your guest experiences while managing costs.

In addition to our extensive food and beverage solutions, this guide showcases a wide range of non-food and professional service providers. From equipment and maintenance services to operational supplies and technology partners, we are proud to offer trusted solutions that support every aspect of your business.

Behind every purchasing program in this guide is Foodbuy’s commitment to delivering value. Our procurement experts leverage deep category expertise, powerful vendor relationships, and the combined purchasing power of thousands of members to help mitigate rising costs. We help you get the most out of every dollar you spend — so you can focus on what matters most: your guests.

If you have any questions about the 40,000+ contracted products and services available through Foodbuy, or want help maximizing your purchasing power, we’re here to help. Contact your Foodbuy account manager for more information.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to supporting your continued success.

4 Foodbuy: Who we are

6 Member profile: Ottawa Hunt Club

8 Member profile: Westmount Golf

& Country Club

12 Trends shaping the future of golf

14 Unlocking Value with Foodbuy Account Managers

18 Top 5 Questions about GPOs

Head office: 1 Prologis Blvd., Ste. 400, Mississauga, ON, L5W 0G2

Foodbuy retains the right to amend or negate any portion or part of this informative should there be an error or omission and re-publish the correct listing, rebate, article etc. in a future informative without liability.

foodbuy.ca

Published March 2026

North America’s leading food and foodservices Group Purchasing Organization (GPO)

Our goal at Foodbuy is to help support your procurement activity to maximize profits and streamline your procurement processes.

Foodbuy provides competitive pricing and rebates on food, non food and services.

We offer purchasing flexibility through our extensive vendor partnerships with over 450 leading manufacturers as well as options through all leading distributors.

We can simplify your procurement journey.

• Unmatched savings and rebates from recognized vendors

• Improve business performance with expert culinary and operational consulting services

• One stop reporting systems for all purchases

• Sustainable, local and regional procurement programs

WHAT YOU GET

No term contract, no membership fees

Rebates based on purchasing volumes

Additional savings from purchasing optimizations

Channel expertise

Expert account management

Food programs

Smallwares, disposables

Cleaning equipment/supplies

Uniforms, linens, textiles

Appliances, furniture Technology Solutions

24/7 on demand purchasing reports

Monthly promotions and discounts

Monthly newsletter

Monthly product price change report

Channel-specific Buyer Guides

Operational and culinary expertise

you know and trust

sample of our 450+ and growing supplier partners…

more about Foodbuy, our programs and how we can help you

snacks that go the distance on the course

the first tee to the final putt, Otis Spunkmeyer delivers individually wrapped cookies, muffins, and brownies designed for golf operations. Portable, consistent, and crowd-pleasing treats that are easy to stock, serve,and enjoy wherever the game takes players.

Navigating today’s club operations

How Ottawa Hunt Club balances costs, expectations, and operational complexity.

Operating a private golf and country club today requires balancing rising costs, labour challenges, and evolving member expectations, often all at once. At Ottawa Hunt Club, a yearround private club serving a diverse membership, operational discipline and strategic procurement have become essential to maintaining a premium experience while managing financial pressures.

Like many clubs across the country, Ottawa Hunt Club continues to face staffing challenges, particularly in back-of-house roles. Inflation has also forced menu price increases, which can create friction when member expectations don’t align with current market realities. Supply chain disruptions add another layer of complexity, occasionally requiring substitutions that aren’t always well received. Together, these pressures demand a more thoughtful and proactive approach to food and beverage operations.

Balancing cost control with quality is a constant focus for the club. Ottawa Hunt Club relies on strong purchasing and inventory practices, waste reduction, cross-utilization of ingredients, and long-term supplier relationships to manage costs effectively. Being part of a group purchasing organization has become an important component of this strategy, helping the club maintain consistency while navigating price volatility, particularly in challenging categories such as protein, where beef continues to be a key pressure point.

Member preferences are also shifting. Ottawa Hunt Club has seen strong demand for non-alcoholic beer, now carrying up to ten different options, alongside an increased interest in local beers and consignment wines. Convenience has become another priority, with expanded grab-and-go offerings and an app that allows members to order ahead for the course or at home. Behind the scenes, data and reporting play a critical role in decision-making. By grounding changes in numbers, the club is better equipped to explain pricing adjustments and operational decisions to its membership.

“Foodbuy has been very transparent from the get-go with expected rebates and benefits. Getting a rebate cheque monthly has been great for bookkeeping, and knowing Foodbuy is always operating in the background provides peace of mind.”

—

Scott Lucano, Ottawa Hunt Club

Strategic procurement at Ottawa Hunt Club is guided by four key factors: price, quality, consistent availability, and member acceptance. Menu engineering, SKU consolidation, and rebate programs are actively used to forecast and plan for the golf season, while menu pricing adjustments help manage cost fluctuations throughout the year. Consistency and quality are reinforced through hands-on kitchen oversight, regular product testing, and a commitment to not cutting corners in food preparation.

Foodbuy Canada supports these efforts by operating in the background as a trusted procurement partner. Through transparent rebate structures, supplier optimization, and category expertise, Foodbuy helps Ottawa Hunt Club improve financial performance without disrupting established supplier relationships. In some cases, small changes have delivered measurable results, such as identifying product switches that generate annual savings while maintaining product quality.

For Ottawa Hunt Club, the value of working with Foodbuy extends beyond rebates. The partnership provides confidence in procurement decisions, support during periods of cost pressure, and access to insights that help the club stay focused on delivering a consistent, high-quality member experience.

Facing operational realities Westmount Golf & Country Club

In conversation with Foodbuy Canada, Michael Hearse, CCM, General Manager of Westmount Golf & Country Club, shared insight into the current operational realities facing golf and private clubs, and how leaders are adapting to meet member expectations. According to Hearse, labour remains one of the most significant challenges across the hospitality-driven club environment. The pool of available talent has narrowed, particularly for roles that require the level of service and professionalism expected in private clubs. As a result, Hearse emphasized that it is more important than ever for clubs to position themselves as employers of choice, offering competitive compensation and a best-in-class workplace culture to attract team members across all areas of the operation.

At the same time, demand for golf, tennis, and club amenities continues to remain strong. While this indicates a healthy appetite for the club lifestyle, it also creates operational pressure around volume and access. Hearse noted that clubs must find creative ways to encourage usage during off-peak times in order to manage capacity without compromising service quality. At Westmount, this has included thoughtful adjustments to food and beverage operating hours, aligning service more closely with member demand rather than reacting to inflation or supply chain pressures alone.

Member expectations, Hearse explained, have become increasingly sophisticated. Today’s members expect more than consistency; they expect anticipation and personalization. From a food and beverage and hospitality perspective, this means delivering experiences that feel intentional and tailored. Customization has become essential, with operators challenged

to recognize individual preferences while still serving a broad membership base. Achieving this balance requires detailed planning, strong systems, and a culture built around service excellence.

Cost control remains top of mind, but Hearse is clear that it cannot come at the expense of the member experience. He describes the balance as delicate, requiring thoughtful menu planning, disciplined purchasing programs, and strong supplier partnerships. Members are generally willing to pay for quality and value a premium experience, but clubs must remain responsible stewards of their resources. Certain categories continue to create pressure, particularly proteins, where menu planning plays a key role in avoiding excessive price increases. Produce has also been a challenge, with rising costs for items like lettuce forcing clubs to rethink traditional menu structures, especially when members are reluctant to accept higher prices for salads. Technology, Hearse noted, is playing a growing role in strategic decision-making. Tools such as online ordering platforms, reservation systems, and kitchen display systems have improved connectivity with members while providing valuable

data to support forecasting, reporting, and operational efficiency. These insights allow hospitality teams to make more informed decisions throughout the season.

Hearse sees clear value in menu planning, rebates, and SKU consolidation when forecasting for the golf season. Understanding menu mix is essential to pricing in a way that balances member satisfaction with fiscal responsibility. Throughout the year, the team actively monitors market conditions, exploring substitutions and alternative cuts or bycatch proteins when appropriate, provided quality is never compromised.

When discussing Westmount’s partnership with Foodbuy Canada, Hearse was definite about the value of the relationship.

“Foodbuy has been an incredible partner for us,” he said. “Their communication, follow-up, and ongoing support set them apart. They consistently help us identify savings opportunities, monitor our purchasing, and flag alternative products or programs that allow us to manage costs without sacrificing quality. In a market that’s constantly changing, having a partner who is proactive and genuinely invested in our success makes a measurable difference.”

He also highlighted the importance of strong relationships with the Foodbuy team. Long-standing support from Foodbuy representatives has provided consistency, trust, and continuity through leadership changes and market shifts. Proactive outreach around promotions, comparable products, and seasonal opportunities has helped the Westmount team stay ahead of pricing pressures and availability challenges.

For clubs considering a procurement partner, Hearse’s advice is straightforward. In an ever-changing market, having a partner that helps navigate uncertainty, monitors purchasing performance, and supports operational efficiency can be a meaningful advantage. For Westmount Golf & Country Club, the partnership with Foodbuy Canada has played an important role in balancing rising member expectations with disciplined, strategic procurement allowing the team to focus on delivering an exceptional club experience, season after season.

REGIONAL PRODUCE PROGRAM

Foodbuy offers everyday solutions for the most challenging purchase in your kitchen—produce. Our expansive portfolio includes a fresh, seasonal mix of fruits and vegetables all backed by our commitment to provide quality, traceable products with local options. With the regional produce program, our suppliers can deliver ingredients right to your doorstep.

The Foodbuy difference

• Direct delivery

• All suppliers meet Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification requirements

• Food traceability from field to fork

• Locally grown options as season permits

• Freshcut value add options, where available

• Get market updates on Foodbuy’s Member Portal

Trends shaping the future of golf

The golf industry is evolving rapidly, driven by demographic shifts, changing member expectations, and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the club experience. For operators, understanding these trends is key to staying relevant and profitable in 2026 and beyond.

Demographic Changes: Two Worlds, One Fairway

Golf participation surged during the pandemic, attracting both seasoned players and newcomers. Today, clubs serve two distinct demographics:

• Boomers are retired, have more time, and remain loyal to tradition. They enjoy full-day experiences that include 18 holes, leisurely meals, and socializing at the clubhouse. They are also hosting special family events such as holiday dinners and seasonal celebrations at their clubs. These gatherings are a benefit to the club by introducing children and young adults to the club environment and lifestyle.

• Next Generation golfers, age 42 and under, are timestarved, family-focused, and cost-conscious. They prioritize efficiency, often skipping post-round dining and even bringing their own snacks to save time and money.

• This shift impacts food and beverage revenue because younger golfers spend less time and money at the club. Operators must adapt menus and services to meet these evolving needs.

How Golfers Are Using Clubs Differently

The modern golfer values flexibility and convenience. Key behavioral changes include:

• Shorter Rounds: Some clubs are starting to offer 6-hole rounds as an option to cater to busy schedules.

• Night Golf: Clubs are lighting the last three holes and building patios overlooking these areas to create vibrant after-work experiences that combine golf with socializing.

• Year-Round Play: Golf simulators are transforming offseason engagement. Clubs are converting underused spaces into lively simulator lounges with food, drinks, and family-friendly activities. These simulators are not just an amenity; they are a revenue driver. They keep members connected to the club during winter months, encourage social leagues, and create opportunities for food and beverage sales in what was previously a quiet season.

• Digital Ordering: Inspired by apps like Club Grub in the

United States, golfers expect on-demand food service. Ordering via mobile and delivery by golf cart is becoming the norm.

Solutions in Practice

Forward-thinking clubs are implementing creative strategies to attract and retain members:

• Grab-and-Go Menus: Affordable, healthy options such as wraps, premium sandwiches, and fresh pizza augment the ever-popular hot dog. These cater to golfers who want quick sustenance without sacrificing quality.

• Family-Centric Events: Private clubs are hosting holiday festivals and outdoor carnivals to appeal to younger families, ensuring long-term membership growth.

• AI and Automation: Emerging technologies such as autonomous lawn care, drone agronomy, and AI-enabled irrigation systems promise operational efficiency and sustainability. These tools help clubs monitor turf health, optimize water usage, and reduce labour costs, ensuring pristine conditions while controlling expenses.

How Foodbuy Supports These Trends

Foodbuy is committed to helping clubs adapt and thrive by offering:

• Rebate Optimization: Purchasing programs that turn slim margins into positive gains through strategic purchasing.

• Category Strength: Enhanced programs for high-volume items such as chicken wings, tenders, fries, and disposables.

• Non-Food and Professional Services: Leverage rebate programs for uniforms, cleaning supplies and hygiene products, linen and textiles, smallwares and kitchen equipment, and disposables, to name just a few.

• National Reach with Local Options: Foodbuy delivers the best of both worlds. We provide national purchasing programs with strong vendor and distributor support, ensuring consistency and scale. At the same time, we offer regional manufacturers and distributors to meet local preferences and seasonal needs, giving clubs flexibility without sacrificing value.

• Innovation Pipeline: A growing portfolio of purchasing programs for tech-driven engagement tools, and AIenabled solutions.

~Patrick Kennedy, Foodbuy Account Manager

TOP 5 STRATEGIES FOR FUTUREREADY CLUBS

1. Golf Simulators

Bring year-round play to your club, providing the ability to create social leagues, bring new demographics to the game and generate offseason food and beverage revenue.

2. Flexible Play Options

Introduce flexible play formats such as six-hole matches and ‘Texas Scramble’ for quick outings and twelve-hole corporate tournaments to engage non-golfers. Add night golf by lighting the last three holes and creating vibrant patio spaces, attracting busy professionals who stay afterward to socialize over a meal or beverage.

3. Modernize Food Service

Offer convenient grab-and-go meals, fresh and healthy choices, and mobile ordering to meet the expectations of younger golfers while delivering the variety and quality that frequent players demand.

4. Leverage Technology for Efficiency

Adopt AI-driven irrigation, drone agronomy, and autonomous lawn care to reduce costs and maintain course quality.

5. Create Family-Oriented Experiences

Host events and activities that engage multiple generations and build loyalty for the future.

Unlocking value

How a Foodbuy Account Manager transforms

Running a successful club or golf course means juggling countless priorities; guest experience, operational efficiency, and financial performance. Amid these demands, food and beverage programs often operate on razor-thin margins, sometimes even at a loss. That’s where a Foodbuy account manager steps in, turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring your purchasing strategy works as hard as you do.

Your Strategic Partner in Savings

Foodbuy account managers are more than purchasing advisors; they’re strategic partners. Their first mission? To uncover hidden value in your current buying habits. By analyzing purchasing data, they identify simple, high-impact changes that maximize rebates without disrupting your operations. Think likefor-like product switches, items such as can liners or parchment paper, that deliver immediate savings without requiring a culinary team’s input.

For clubs operating at net-zero or negative margins on food and beverage, these optimizations can be game-changing. A few smart adjustments can move your operation into positive territory, creating measurable ROI that supports your club’s overall financial health.

Data-Driven Insights You Can Trust

Every Foodbuy member benefits from robust data collection and expert analysis. Account managers dive deep into your purchasing patterns to recommend cost-effective and rebate-eligible products and programs tailored to your needs. They also provide market intelligence—commodity reports and price change insights, so you understand why costs fluctuate and how to plan accordingly. When coffee prices increase due to a poor Brazilian harvest for instance, you’ll know why the price increase is happening and how to mitigate the impact.

Your Advocate with Distributors and Manufacturers

Navigating distributor relationships can be complex. When products are short shipped or you receive unexpected substitutions, your kitchen and your budget can be disrupted. Foodbuy account managers can act as mediators with your distributor partners, leveraging the strength of a $4 billion

your club’s bottom line

organization to resolve issues quickly and effectively. Foodbuy account managers also serve as conduits for innovation, introducing you to new products and programs from leading manufacturers..

Beyond Food: A World of Possibilities

Despite the name, Foodbuy isn’t just about food. Account managers connect members to a wide range of non-food and professional services programs, including staff uniforms, lawn care equipment, and technology solutions. Whether you are upgrading disposables, sourcing specialty proteins, or exploring tech-enabled efficiencies, your account manager ensures you receive the best value possible.

Easy Wins and Long-Term Gains

The approach is simple: start with quick wins, then build toward strategic growth. Initial recommendations often focus on highvolume items like chicken wings, tenders, fries, and disposables— products that dominate club menus. From there, your Foodbuy account manager can help you explore broader opportunities, including regional produce programs, beverage partnerships, and even innovative service models like on-course food delivery.

In today’s competitive landscape, every dollar counts.

Foodbuy account managers bring expertise, relationships, and insights that individual clubs simply can’t access alone. They amplify your buying power, streamline operations, and unlock savings that strengthen your bottom line—all while freeing you to focus on what matters most: delivering an exceptional member experience.

A Foodbuy account manager isn’t just a resource - they’re your secret weapon for smarter purchasing, stronger margins, and a more profitable future.

McCain® Rings, Waves & Seaside Fries

No matter the batter or the shape, our products deliver big flavour and even bigger possibilities. Unlock more menu options, boost profits, and excite your customers!

A taste that consum-

All of our products are easy to store,

You can be creative and use

McCain products deliver the

Appetizers, small plates & bar snacks

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

McCain® Battered 1/4" Onion Rings

Consistency is king with these pre-browned classic batter Spanish onion rings.

Pack

SCC: 10055773823094

Sysco: 3083631

GFS: 5495605

McCain® Battered 1/2" Onion Rings

Hearty beefeater-cut onion rings dipped in our classic batter and pre-browned to ensure a consistent look every time.

Brew City® Beer Battered 5/8"

Sweet onion double-dipped in batter made with real premium blond draught beer.

Pack Size: 1 x 4 KG

Pieces/LB: 18 - 24 Net Wt.: 8.8 LB

SCC: 10055773823124

Sysco: 2575462

GFS: 5505405

McCain® Panko-Style Breaded 3/8"

Crispy, crumbly and crunchy onion rings breaded and tossed Panko-style.

Pack Size: 6 × 2.5 LB

Pieces/LB: 16 - 24

Net Wt.: 15 LB

SCC: 00055773002805

Sysco: 261933

GFS: 1321572

Brew City® Beer Battered

Skin-On Potato Waves

Premium skin-on potato with a unique wavy shape and battered in our Brew City® Craft Beer for a crispy, golden brown outside and light, fluffy bite inside.

Pack Size: 6 x 2 LB

Pieces/LB: 24 - 38 Net Wt: 12 LB

SCC: 10055773004974

Sysco: 7213964

GFS: 1445310

McCain® SureCrisp™ Seaside

Skin-On Fries 1/2''

With a seaside-inspired blend of salt, pepper and garlic seasoning, these lightly battered fries stay crispy up to 30 minutes.

Pack Size: 6 x 4 LB

SCC: 10072714009683

Sysco: 7385796

GFS: 1515091

Pack Size: 6 x 5 LB

Wt.: 30 LB

SCC: 10072714009850

Sysco: 7410351

GFS: 1515092

Top 5 Qs about GPOs

Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) are becoming essential for foodservice, hospitality, long-term care, education, and club operations across Canada. If you’re exploring how a GPO like Foodbuy Canada can help reduce costs and improve procurement efficiency, here are the top questions operators ask.

1. What is a GPO?

A Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) leverages the buying power of thousands of businesses to negotiate stronger pricing, better supplier programs, and broader product coverage. By joining a GPO, Canadian operators gain access to:

• Competitive contracted pricing

• National supplier programs

• Rebates and incentives

• A wider range of SKUs and brands

GPOs operate across many sectors, golf & leisure clubs, healthcare, foodservice, hospitality, and more.

2. How does a GPO work?

A GPO negotiates contracts with hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers on behalf of its members.

Members benefit from:

• Lower invoice pricing

• Post-purchase rebates

• Stronger contract compliance

• Access to products that might otherwise be unavailable or cost-prohibitive

For Canadian operators, this means leveraging Foodbuy’s national buying power to secure pricing and programs that individual businesses simply couldn’t negotiate alone.

3. What services do GPOs provide?

Beyond cost savings, leading procurement organizations offer full-service support to improve operational efficiency. Foodbuy Canada provides:

Sourcing & Procurement Support

Help identify alternative products, cost-effective SKUs, or solutions that meet specific operational needs.

Distribution Management

Canadian operators often work with multiple distributors. Foodbuy helps streamline relationships, troubleshoot pricing issues, and ensure contracted products are in stock.

Purchasing Optimization

Data-driven insights to uncover:

• SKU rationalization opportunities

• Category conversions

• Cost-saving substitutions

Culinary & Menu Solutions

Foodbuy’s account managers and chefs support menu design, labour-saving product recommendations, and waste-reduction strategies—critical for Canadian operators facing labour shortages.

4. How much can I save?

Savings vary depending on:

• Your existing supplier mix

• Program participation

• SKU usage

• Adoption of procurement services

Most Canadian operators see meaningful savings through a combination of lower pricing, rebates, menu optimization, and improved distribution and purchasing efficiency. Foodbuy provides personalized savings assessments to show the potential impact.

5. Do I need to change suppliers when I join a GPO?

Not always. It depends on the GPO. Some require exclusive supplier use; others offer flexibility. Foodbuy Canada partners with hundreds of national and regional suppliers, giving members options that work with their existing operation. In many cases, businesses can keep purchasing from their preferred suppliers and distributors while still benefiting from contracted pricing and programs. When changes are recommended, Foodbuy provides analysis and transition support to ensure operators make informed decisions.

Explore How Foodbuy Canada Can Support Your Procurement Strategy

Whether you're looking to reduce costs, streamline purchasing, or gain access to national supplier programs, Foodbuy Canada offers the tools, data, and expertise to support your goals. Connect with a Foodbuy Canada representative for a no-obligation consultation.

Email info@foodbuy.ca

Powering Every Round with Frito Lay Snacks!

A day on the course is more than just a game—it’s a chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy the moment. The right snack makes the round even better.

Frito-Lay’s premium, portable lineup brings the perfect balance of convenience, variety, and impulse appeal to your course, ensuring golfers have their favourite snacks within reach.

From classic Snack Size favourites from brands like Lay’s, Doritos and Ruffles, to the new cupholder friendly Resealable Canisters and Munchies Nuts, our on-the-go options are designed for effortless enjoyment—no mess, no hassle, just great taste.

Ideal for clubhouse checkouts, beverage carts, and pro shop displays

Stock up and give your golfers one more reason to love their time on the course.

The future arrives at the Clubhouse

How Technology and Member Expectations Are Transforming Canada’s Golf & Leisure Clubs

For Canada’s golf and leisure clubs, the past decade has brought an unprecedented shift, one shaped not only by the pandemic’s ripple effects but by rapidly evolving technology and dramatically heightened member expectations. Foodbuy spoke with Suzanne Godbehere, Chief Executive Officer of the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC), to better understand how these forces are reshaping the sector.

A seasoned business leader with more than 30 years of strategic, operational, and marketing experience, Godbehere leads CMAC in strengthening professional development, certification, and leadership excellence across Canada’s club sector. Representing nearly 700, CMAC supports general managers, CEOs, food and beverage leaders, membership directors, and operational teams across golf clubs, yacht clubs, multi-sport facilities, social clubs, curling clubs, and prominent city clubs.

“Many of these organizations function much like small cities,” Godbehere explains, referencing the complexity and sophistication involved in running modern clubs. Whether managing a high-volume urban club or a sprawling private golf course, leaders face a rapidly evolving landscape that demands agility and innovation.

Technology Moves From Novelty to Necessity

What once felt experimental now feels essential. For many clubs, technology is no longer a “nice-to-have” but an operational backbone.

AI-powered member service

Some clubs are implementing intelligent bots capable of responding to member online queries such as - tee time availability, dress codes, room bookings, and event details - ensuring quicker, consistent responses and reducing pressure on frontline staff.

One club is piloting an AI-driven call system that logs

value community, wellness, inclusivity, and flexible experiences. Technology-enabled interactions—mobile booking, personalized communication, and year-round hybrid experiences—align with their expectations.

Godbehere explains. “Clubs must adapt their programming and engagement models to remain relevant to these emerging member groups. Clubs that thrive will be those that invest early in innovation, talent, and member-centric design.”

Meanwhile, Generation X is moving toward retirement, becoming an increasingly important demographic for long-term membership stability. Understanding this next wave of members is critical for shaping strategic planning, investment, and program design.

Rising Expectations in a PostPandemic Era

The pandemic accelerated a significant increase in club usage, particularly in golf. Although the initial surge was driven by the need for safe outdoor activities, interest has remained strong.

“Tee sheets continue to be full, and overall utilization remains elevated,” Godbehere notes. “Managing capacity while maintaining the quality of the member experience has become a central priority.”

Members now expect faster service, more personalized interactions, and greater transparency around value. These expectations extend beyond members, partners and vendors, who increasingly seek measurable returns and higher levels of engagement.

Education, Certification & the Talent Pipeline

As the sector evolves, professional development and workforce sustainability remain at the forefront of CMAC’s mandate.

Godbehere sees two pillars as essential:

Professional development and certification

CMAC, via their partnership with the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), offers the only globally recognized certification, the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation, for club management professionals in Canada—an important credential in an industry without a formal academic pathway in Canada.

“Certification provides credibility, builds confidence, and ensures leaders have the required competencies to manage increasingly complex club environments,” Godbehere explains.

Building

a sustainable talent pipeline

Labour shortages continue to affect hospitality, and recent federal restrictions on international students have created added pressure. CMAC has engaged in targeted advocacy to help the government understand the operational and economic implications for clubs across the country.

“Students represent a meaningful portion of the hospitality workforce,” she says. “When their access is restricted, clubs feel it immediately.”

The Takeaway

“The pace of change will continue to accelerate,” Godbehere emphasizes. “Clubs need to embrace innovation and remain deeply focused on member value.”

As Godbehere summarizes, “The industry is moving forward quickly. It’s essential that we all move with it.”

Foodbuy supports the club sector, by identifying opportunities that help clubs modernize operations, deliver consistent quality, and create meaningful and cost-saving efficiencies.

TOP SKU RECOMENDATIONS

Foodbuy has numerous partnerships with suppliers that can take care of all your business needs from tee to table. We’ve put together these lists based on top quality ratings and highest rebates. Reach out to your Foodbuy account manager with any questions and to see how much you can save.

PROTEIN

Galco (Olymel) Olymel Chicken Breast Fillet Removed Frozen Halal Skinless Boneless 10065137960808 Seasoned 6 Oz 19% Protein 1/4 Kg

Maple Leaf Mainstreet Deli Turkey Sliced Smoked 6/500 Gr

Maple Leaf Maple Leaf Pork Ham Whole Bone-in Smoked Easy Carve 18% Protein 1/6.32 Kg

Maple Leaf Mainstreet Deli Pork Ham Prosciutto Sliced Deli 6/500

APPETIZERS

ENTREES

PREPARED SALADS

FROZEN VEGETABLES

POTATOES

BAKERY

BREADS

Wonder Brands Bakersource Classic Bun Hot Dog T&S 96/70 Gr

Bridor Inc. Bridor Bun Hot Dog Baked Brioche-Style

Aspire Bakeries Oakrun English Muffins 12/12 Ct

Wonder Brands Bakersource Classic Bread White Sliced 16/675 Gr

Wonder Brands Bakersource Classic Bread Whole Wheat Sliced Thick T&S 16/675 Gr

Bridor Inc. Bridor Bread Rustic Ciabatta 3x6 inch Sliced 48/110 Gr

Bridor Inc. Bridor Croissant Perfect RTB Butter 80/78 Gr

Bridor Inc. Bridor Croissant Mini Perfect RTB Butter 160/42.5 Gr

Les Aliments Mejicano Mejicano Tortilla 4.5" SG 24/12 Ct

Les Aliments Mejicano Mejicano Tortilla

Aspire

Aspire

Bridor

Bridor

Bridor

Bridor

CONDIMENTS/SAUCES/DIPS

DAIRY CHEESE

ELECTROLYTE INFUSED FOR GREAT TASTE

REFRESH YOUR GAME

REHYDRATE & REPLENISH

BEVERAGES

Water supply coverage

Will continue - business as is - for regions currently serviced in Canada via Sysco

CEREAL

General

WK Kelloggs Kellogg Cereal in a Cup Assorted 4 Flavour 5/12/51 Gr

Quaker Quaker Oats Large Flake 12/1 Kg

Quaker Quaker Oat Quick Cooking 10/2.25 Kg

SNACKS

Campbell Co. Canada Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps

Campbell

David Roberts Sysco Classic Peanuts, Bulk,

DISPOSABLES

CHEMICALS

BEYOND FOOD

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES

Our extensive portfolio of top-tier services, equipment, and supplies is designed to streamline your operations and drive efficiency. From operational essentials to specialized solutions, we’re here to help you save money and enhance efficiency.

Supplies and solutions for every industry

Why Grainger?

As Canada’s leading industrial supplier we’re your single, convenient source for quality industrial supplies, safety solutions and facility maintenance products. We back our huge selection with outstanding service and access to experts who have the knowledge and experience to answer your toughest questions. Plus, you’ll find services and resources that truly make a difference when it comes to reducing costs and helping you get more done..

Huge, diverse inventory

Proactive Solutions

By working closely with you, our team is able to uncover which services your business could benefit from and how often you need supplies shipped to you.

Technical Expertise

Our specialists will provide you with the technical support, product information, demonstrations, and troubleshooting on the products we sell.

Dedicated Customer Service

We are here to assist you whenever you have any questions or need help with any of the products or services we provide.

Industry Trends & Insights

Our industry experts will provide you with the industry-specific knowledge you need to solve problems and uncover opportunities.

Everything from everyday essentials to hard-to-find items to help you get the job done.

KeepStock inventory management

Have the products you need, where and when you need them.

E-commerce and instore

Shop easily and quickly online, or visit one of our branches for customer service and pickup

For the ones who build it, fix it, move it and maintain it—there’s Grainger.

Largest inventory in Canada

•

• National Distribution, Warehousing and Logistics

•

• Design and Custom Fabrication Capabilities

• Over 10,000 Products, In Stock and Ready to Ship

• Next-Day Shipping in All Major Markets

• 24/7 Online Ordering

Elevate Your Culinary Experience

Discover TFI’s premier Commercial Grade Food Equipment Solutions, crafted for unparalleled culinary excellence.

For more than 60 years, TFI has been the largest Canadian supplier of the world’s best specialty foodservice equipment and programs, empowering kitchens to operate at their best. With TFI you can boost productivity and transform your culinary space — guaranteeing that each dish is a testament to exceptional quality and flavor.

Our Mission

We are industry leaders in providing premier commercial restaurant equipment, specialized service support and replacement parts to our partners across the restaurant industry. Our dedicated team of specialists across our organization always seek to provide our customers with “The Perfect Serving”.

Our Brand Family

TFI is the largest Canadian supplier of Taylor®, Henny Penny®, Franke and LightFry, makers of the best specialty foodservice equipment and programs in the world. From Taylor slush and ice cream machines to Henny Penny fryers and combi ovens to Franke coffee makers, our exceptional quality brands make it simple to create crowd pleasing, highly profitable menu items.

Boost Your Profitability

With profit margins as high as 80% and equipment paybacks in as little as 6-18 months, we make it almost effortless to add popular and profitable new revenue streams.

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