UT closing the University Club
Submitted by R. Neal on Mon, 2006/06/05 - 7:00pm

The KNS is reporting that UT is closing the University Club, previously known as the Faculty Club.

I've been there a few times for luncheons and dinners, by way of marriage to a professor's daughter. For an unconnected illiterate like me, it was a nice glimpse into the world of genteel intellectualism and academic culture. And the food and service were seriously good. But that was back when it was the Faculty Club, when it was sort of like the intelligent version of Club LeConte.

But over the years, it has gone downhill. I don't attribute that so much to opening up membership to all UT employees as I do outsourcing their operations.

At any rate, this is the sad end of an era for Knoxville and UT. I'd rank it right up there with the loss of the S&W Cafeteria downtown.

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Hildegard's picture

Booze

Submitted by Hildegard on Mon, 2006/06/05 - 8:56pm.

The few events I've attended at the University Club were screaming for decent wine. They were held in the evening, involved hosting a major artist or writer, and there was food and entertainment. But you couldn't have a drink. People got wise and started finding alternative locations for these kinds of events. I mean, yeah, for the ladies' luncheon crowd, the demise of the UC will be a loss. But even they might prefer going some place where you can order a mimosa or a Margarita.

R. Neal's picture

How long ago was that? Like

Submitted by R. Neal on Mon, 2006/06/05 - 9:02pm.

How long ago was that? Like I said, it had gone downhill over the past few (as in 15 or 20) years.

Hildegard's picture

Just the past few years. The

Submitted by Hildegard on Tue, 2006/06/06 - 1:39pm.

Just the past few years. The events the Writers Guild hosted there, the UC told us we were not allowed to serve wine. Somebody told me it was university policy. It's smart policy, owing to liability issues, but nevertheless it can cause problems for people wanting to put on a nice banquet. So it's just easier to go to a banquet hall or restaurant or facility that has the appropriate insurance and licensing.

michael kaplan's picture

outsourcing

Submitted by michael kaplan on Tue, 2006/06/06 - 1:23pm.

"I don't attribute that so much to opening up membership to all UT employees as I do outsourcing their operations."

it's always the 'bottom line,' it seems. outsourcing ends the tradition of a familiar, experienced, well-paid staff. it makes a difference to the customers. but what does aramark (or the UT administration) care.

phil scheurer lives ...

bizgrrl's picture

I thought for sure at the

Submitted by bizgrrl on Tue, 2006/06/06 - 1:49pm.

I thought for sure at the regular Sunday luncheons (years ago) it was BYOB. Never went to an "event", just as a child of a member to "Faculty Club" member functions.

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