NewsOnly on 23ABC

Actions

Petroleum Club comes down from the Tower to land at Sundale CC

Posted at 6:57 AM, Sep 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-04 09:57:48-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Covid19 pandemic has taken many lives, changed the way we live and forced businesses to adapt to survive.
The Petroleum Club was at a critical point being unable to serve their members for the last six months, when an old friendship opened up a new opportunity.
The nearly 70-year old club is joining forces with a County Club that was left for dead, as they rise together to build a new future.
Sundale Country Club had been struggling for years, when Dr. Girish Patel and his partner Jay Patel took over and started a makeover at the aging golf course, but said something was missing.
The restaurant, 'Tavern by the Green' had been closed for several years and the kitchen shut down.
The Patels wanted to bring back fine dining, when Dave Plivelich with the Petroleum Club called him.
He was interested in a partnership that would allow the Petroleum Club to move into the space, taking over the restaurant, lounge and grill.
That meant leaving the Stockdale Tower and it's scenic view after 17 years.
"It was turmoil with our members and employees, wasted food and expenses," said Plivelich, "with something that's been around since 1952. It was not going to die on my watch."
The renovations continue in the dining area and the kitchen, with members being able to utilize two large patio areas during the transition.
Members for both clubs will have the opportunity to join the other.
Sundale remains a semi-private golf course, but you'll need to be a member to enjoy the 'Tavern' with some exceptions.
In case you forgot, the Petroleum Club has changed venues many times since it's inception, from the Bakersfield Inn to the Garces Circle, the Bell Tower then the Cask and Cleaver, along with the Stockdale Tower and now, the Petroleum Club at Sundale.