by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Members of the Meninak Club were warned that the introductions leading up to Gate Petroleum President Herb Peyton taking the podium at Monday’s meeting may last longer than Peyton’s talk.
It was close.
Peyton actually spent about 10 minutes talking about the various properties scattered around town that are owned by Gate. Those include the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club (which is obviously near and dear to Peyton), The Lodge in Ponte Vedra, The River Club and Epping Forest Yacht Club. While some of the Meninak members may have been aware of Gate’s non-gas station portfolio, it’s unlikely many had the history of how they became Gate properties.
Peyton moved to Ponte Vedra from Kentucky in 1948. Although the area known as Ponte Vedra had been established since 1927, it was far from the days of plush golf courses and even more plush oceanfront mansions. Still, Peyton liked what he saw.
“I thought it was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen,” he dead panned. “I still feel that way today.”
In 1983, Peyton bought the Inn & Club and immediately began making changes. First and foremost, he concentrated on customer service and the overall atmosphere of the club. At the time, members wrote out their menu requests, often for people who couldn’t read. There was also the common notion that you couldn’t stay at the hotel unless you were a member.
“It took us about two weeks to change that,” said Peyton, adding he also addressed other areas of the club quickly to include the Seafoam Room and the gym. “We built a gym and the rich folks came running at 5:30 in the morning.”
Today, the Inn & Club has 670 employees — some Peyton proudly says have been there over 30 years — and has undergone $50 million in renovations.
“We have 250 acres and over the past 25 years, we have done all we can do,” said the 81 year-old Peyton. “I hope to be here when its 100 years old. I am proud of the service and employee morale. Those employees feel like its their club.”
Twenty years ago, Gate took over Epping Forest in San Jose. Once Peyton secured the proper zoning, he was able to convert it into a yacht club. Today, he said there are 1,440 members and the club “is doing well.”
Just within the past several years, Gate took ownership of The River Club atop the Modis Building. Originally, Peyton was approached about managing the restaurant/bar and meeting space facility. He declined, saying Gate doesn’t manage anything.
“We spent $4 million and did a complete renovation,” said Peyton, calling The River Club “a special place.”
After speaking, Peyton fielded a few questions. He said the current gas prices have hurt Gate also.
“We have not seen a profit (on gas) in the last three months. It is beginning to affect volume,” he said. “I am not sure if it will go higher. There is no relief in sight.”
Peyton was asked about owning four of the area’s best-known resorts or clubs at the same time.
“You know I hate a monopoly, except when you got one,” he said.
In other news from the meeting:
• Former Times-Union columnist and current Dreams Come True Executive Director Karen Mathis was officially welcomed as a new member. One of her guests was her husband, Circuit Court Judge E. McRae Mathis.
• Broadbased Communications was recognized for raising $700 at the recent “Cocktails for a Cause” event at The University Club. The money will go into the Meninak Club Foundation.
• Song leader John Roberts proudly showed off his Gate drink card that provides a free coffee or fountain drink after the purchase of five. Meninak member J.F. Bryan was heard saying, “Don’t let go of it, he’ll (Peyton) take it back.”
Photo by Mike Sharkey