Reading Country Club reopens for events after five years of shutdown

Oct. 16—The Reading Country Club awoke from a five year hibernation Saturday with two events that kicked off it's reinvention as a community gathering spot, banquet hall and eventually more, organizers said.

Food trucks and live music outside and a fancy party inside were a sign of things to come at the site, Exeter Township Supervisor Ted Gardella said.

"We want everyone to see what we've done here," the board vice chairman said. "We want to showcase what the possibilities are for this incredible building."

The 100-acre property along Route 422, which is owned by the township, had been open for golf only since 2017. But the grounds and building have been cleaned, updated and improved and are ready for more events that will bring revenue to the township, Gardella said.

The club's dormancy has frustrated people in Exeter, as property owners pay taxes to cover the $10 million in debt the township is still saddled with from the property's purchase in 2006.

"They weren't seeing any value from it," Gardella said of the taxpayers' frustration.

But the nearly 100-year old property is now back for them, he said, and will soon be producing revenue for the township and serving as a community hub.

Saturday offered a taste of the property's potential, with the sold-out ticketed event inside the club's building showcasing the types of gatherings it will soon host, such as wedding receptions, holiday parties and banquets.

A New Year's Eve party to begin the club's 100th year in 2023 and a holiday festival of lights are already being planned.

The township in August entered a three-year partnership with Catering by DoubleTree Reading, which is affiliated with the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Reading. The business did the catering and decorating for the inside party Saturday, as it will for future events.

The agreement that was approved 4-1 by the Exeter supervisors calls for the township to receive 25% of sales for an event serving alcohol and 15% of sales for an event that does not, with the rest going to the business, though both sides will review that deal each year for possible changes.

Hotel President Craig Poole said there is demand for more event venues in the area and that it's best to create new banquet space to keep events in Berks County.

A six-year plan for the club shows 2023 sales at $500,000, of which the township would receive $125,000, gradually increasing every year until 2028, when sales of about $2 million would net the township $500,000.

The township will remain in charge of golf and clubhouse operations and will next focus on improving the course, which is open to the public as well as members, Gardella said.

The first-floor restaurant at the club remains closed, but Gardella said the township would like to reopen it soon.

He said it is best to first have a clear understanding of what the community desires in a restaurant to better ensure its success, he said.

Poole said his company plans to use the same strategies that were used to win the community over at its Reading hotel and reverse the negative feelings some in Exeter have toward the country club.

"We're going to create a new energy in Exeter," he said.

The highest income is expected to come from weddings, but the company also plans to create jobs and revenue by hosting the other community events at the site as well as events on holidays along with Sunday brunches and themed buffet nights.

There are plans to create pop-up restaurant dining experiences and unique corporate golf packages that include free round-trip group transportation from the hotel to the club and an upscale networking and dining experience, officials said.

"We want to make this a destination," said Judy Engle, DoubleTree director of events.

"We want to keep the money local," Poole agreed.

He'd also like to see the country club boost its memberships. Currently only about 40 people are on the rolls.

Gardella credited the township work crew for the job it did in getting the property ready for Saturday.

"It's a lot to take something that was basically in mothballs for five years and reopen it, but they did incredible work," he said.

Among those who came Saturday for the outdoor event were township residents Jason and Nina Delewski, who brought their son Chase and daughter Claire, both 12.

The couple, both of whom teach in the Exeter School District, were married at the country club 18 years ago and still golf there.

They are looking forward to the property hosting more events like Saturday's not only because they'd enjoy them but for the benefit of other township residents who have for years been paying taxes for the club's purchase without getting to visit it.

"There are only so many golfers here," Jason said.

Tom and Nadine Wanner of Exeter Township also came Saturday and said they're hoping a restaurant returns, as they enjoyed dining there before it closed.

And as the sun shone on the golf course and the fall foliage was nearing its peak colors, they spoke about being thankful the building wasn't torn down and the property turned into a housing development.

"It's so gorgeous up here," Nadine said.

"It's a beautiful building," Tom said. "The whole place is so nice."