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
Food & Beverage Director Jordan Naftal poolside at the Wellington National Golf Club.
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
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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. JORDAN NAFTAL OF
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WELLINGTON NATIONAL
wellington the magazine | february 2017
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