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Case Study: Union League Liberty Hill and Avendra Clubs Host a VIP Showcase for Hospitality Professionals

Key Takeaways

Education + Procurement = Measurable Ops Gains: A joint VIP Culinary Showcase by Union League Liberty Hill and Avendra Clubs delivered hands‑on learning, supplier access, and networking that immediately improved purchasing behaviors (e.g., teams proactively seeking Avendra‑approved vendors).
Structured Learning Scales Quality: As part of Union League University, curated panels on procurement, pricing, and menu development equipped chefs and purchasing managers from 30+ clubs to standardize best practices and elevate member experiences across properties.
A 20‑Year Partnership Still Evolving: The League leverages Avendra Clubs beyond F&B—into capital projects, housekeeping, mattresses, and the myAvendra platform—demonstrating a mature, trust‑based program that balances cost savings with consistent quality.

In a dynamic fusion of culinary creativity, professional development and strategic collaboration, Union League Liberty Hill partnered with Avendra Clubs to host the VIP Culinary Showcase—an immersive event designed to elevate hospitality professionals through hands-on learning, supplier engagement, and strategic networking.

As part of Union League's educational initiative—Union League University—the event welcomed chefs, purchasing managers and representatives from over 30 regional clubs to Liberty Hill’s state-of-the-art Summit Conference Center. The event highlighted how a 20-year partnership with Avendra Clubs continues to evolve while empowering teams, uncovering cost-saving opportunities and reinforcing the League’s commitment to operational excellence.

Investing in Education, Together

To broaden the impact of Union League University, Michelle Christensen, General Manager of Liberty Hill, invited Avendra to share their purchasing expertise directly with League associates and the wider club community. Attendees explored a curated supplier showcase, enjoyed a lunch by US Foods, and participated in panels on procurement and industry trends.

“It was a real home run,” says Michelle. “The networking element was very powerful.”

Knowledge That Drives Results

The event delivered actionable takeaways on purchasing best practices, price management, and menu development. A panel discussion featuring a local chef, purchasing manager, and Avendra procurement expert resonated deeply with attendees, especially those in purchasing roles.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Michelle reflects. “Our culinary team left with a better understanding of what’s available, and what we can offer our members.”

The impact was immediate: associates now proactively ask if vendors are Avendra-approved, even for existing suppliers.

A Culture Rooted in Culinary Excellence

With over $11 million in annual F&B revenue, Liberty Hill is one of the League’s most food-forward properties. Michelle, who has spent 15 years with the League, emphasized the importance of trusted partners like Avendra Clubs and US Foods in delivering consistent quality and value.

From à la carte dining to large-scale events, the culinary experience remains central to member satisfaction, and Avendra Clubs plays a key role in supporting that mission.

A Trusted, Evolving Collaboration

Union League CEO Jeff McFadden has long championed the Avendra Clubs program. As the League has expanded, each new property has adopted the program in a way that fits its unique needs.

“Finding new ways to collaborate and save money has been huge for us,” she says.

Beyond food and beverage, the club uses Avendra for capital projects, housekeeping supplies, and even mattresses. The myAvendra platform is a staff favorite for its ease of use, and their Avendra representative ensures sourcing is seamless.

“Avendra Clubs takes a lot of the work out of finding quality suppliers,” Michelle adds.

Looking Ahead

The success of the VIP Culinary Showcase reaffirmed the strength of the Union League–Avendra Clubs partnership.

“Our team was very grateful to attend and get that education,” says Michelle. “Knowledge is power, and this was a really great opportunity.”

With a foundation built on trust, collaboration, and shared goals, Union League Liberty Hill continues to thrive—delivering exceptional experiences to members and empowering its team every step of the way.

We get it, and we can help.

A UNION LEAGUE LIBERTY HILL AND AVENDRA CLUBS HOST A VIP SHOWCASE FOR HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS

FAQs

What was the purpose of the VIP Culinary Showcase that Union League Liberty Hill co-hosted with Avendra Clubs?

Avendra Clubs and Union League Liberty Hill co-hosted this showcase to advance club‑level education via live demos, supplier engagement, and panels on procurement and trends—helping culinary and purchasing teams translate best practices into immediate operational improvements.

How did the event change day‑to‑day purchasing behavior for Union League Liberty Hill?

Attendees began verifying whether current and new vendors are Avendra‑approved, signaling stronger program utilization, better pricing discipline, and stronger quality control.

How is Avendra Clubs cutting costs for the clubs industry?

Avendra revolutionizes the procurement process by centralizing purchasing for multiple locations, securing volume discounts and better pricing through its extensive supplier network, automating manual tasks to streamline operations, managing risks with diverse supplier relationships and contingency plans, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations, and providing data-driven insights through advanced analytics tools.