All-you-can-eat lobster feasts. A sports and recreation room in which to unwind. Scotch-tasting soirees. A health facility with a juice bar. Karaoke nights. Meeting rooms with plasma screens and high-speed Internet access.

And, yes – even bingo nights.

As if the prospect of all these options under one roof at The 400 Club isn’t exciting enough, throw this into the mix: complimentary membership for July and August.

“We are the premier business and social club in Calgary,” says Tina Knox, acting GM of The 400 Club. “For more than 50 years, we have been an important part of the business community in Calgary, and we plan to keep it that way.”

The 400 Club team of professionals, including (from left) Mike DeNicola, Resi Mendoza, Mike Stiell, Teresa Morkin and Tina Knox, is committed to providing the highest level of service to members.

With this in mind, The 400 Club is revitalizing itself with a new look and feel as it launches into the 21st century.

As part of the plan to modernize its presence, the Club is swinging open its doors to Calgarians this summer, to introduce more people to its facilities.

“We’re sure people will be impressed with what we have to offer,” says Mike DeNicola, secretary to the Club’s board of governors. “The Club truly has something for everyone – and it’s nice to see more and more women joining the Club.”

The 400 Club is enhancing its traditional emphasis as a place for business people to meet and network with one another, and bring their clients for drinks or a meal from the Club’s first-rate kitchen.

The Club pulled off a coup in hiring Executive Chef Resi Mendoza, who is a member of the culinary Team Canada for six years running. Mendoza is ably backed by Executive Sous-Chef Martin Makulowich, who is racking up culinary fame himself, most recently as the gold-medal winner for an appetizer dish at a chefs’ competition in Kelowna this spring.

Outside the kitchen, operations manager Mike Stiell is bringing in fresh ideas for social activities. Typically, the Club stages 3-4 a month. The plan is to hold events at least once or twice a week, including a weekly pub night.

The 400 Club proved its commitment to an improved social calendar by lining up renowned country & western recording artist Beverley Mahood for Stampede Week. She’s performing at the Club Tuesday through Thursday (July 9-11) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All shows are open to the public; tickets are $30 per person.

Also in the works are more Wines of the World dinners, a
popular attraction that has given rise to scotch- and beer-tasting events. Other planned activities include karaoke nights, where you can let out the Barry Manilow in you; golf tournaments; a business trades table night; a Hawaiian night complete with entertainment; and Margarita Nights with a lounge act.

“We’re seeing what works,” says Knox. “And if a member has an idea, we’re willing to try it.”

If you hurry in to register for a complimentary membership this week, you can take part in daily Stampede Week functions, topped by a gala western wind-up dinner on July 13. The cost is only $40 per person for a gourmet dinner with entertainment. Reserve ahead and pay at the door.

As for bingo nights, we’re not talking penny-ante here. The grand prize for the last bingo was a trip for two to Scotland. Now that’s a scotch-tasting opportunity!

“We have got a lot coming up, and staff are really excited,” says Knox. “There’s a lot of energy happening at the Club.”

One thing that isn’t changing is the dedication of staff.

“Our people are incredible. They go out of their way to please. Their service along with the Club’s great food makes for an awesome combination!”

The 400 Club provides a central location for group meetings. The meeting room comes free of charge if a member books it for his or her organization. The Club will provide refreshments from light snacks to a full meal.

The Club is also a popular site for weekend wedding receptions.

“The multi-tiered Eau Claire Room is just about the most attractive place in the city to hold special events,” says Knox. It can hold 300 guests, and if the guest list swells, a function can flow onto other floors and function rooms.

The 400 Club’s affiliation program is another unique feature. For example, Diane Jones-Konihowski, president of the Calgary operations of Premiere Executive Suites, brings in guests from all over the world while they’re staying in the corporate accommodation. The guests have full use of Club facilities while in Calgary.

“It’s a great partnership,” says Knox. “We do cross-business with other Calgary companies and out-of-town clubs, too.”

The 400 Club is normally open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and closed weekends, with exceptions made for special events.

“It’s all a matter of what our members’ needs are.”

Free parking is available beside the building after 4:30 p.m. During the day, members and guests can park across the street in the McDougall Centre parkade or at street meters.

Check out The 400 Club’s at www.400club.com for views of its interior. Better yet, “come in and talk to us,” invites Knox. “We’ll give you a tour and answer any questions.”

The Club is located at 710 - 4th Ave. S.W.; phone 403.265.9660 and fax 403.264.4071.