Jeff Main resigns from his position at Lodge

BY

Jeff  began working as the chef and Food and Beverage Director at the Lodge in April 2003. He left in April 2006 to work as a private caterer. The CLPOA asked him to return to the Lodge in October 2011.  Photo by Donna Ritchie.

Jeff Main, the Food and Beverage Director and chef at the Lodge, is leaving Canyon Lake and heading back to work for the Bear Creek Country Club. Bear Creek is a private country club nestled in the Murrieta Valley, and the place where Jeff began his cooking apprenticeship over 20 years ago.

Jeff was born in Colorado. His family moved to Murrieta when Jeff was 6 years old. He’s a graduate of Murrieta Valley High School. Jeff and his wife Diane have been married for three years. They have five children between them. Their sons are 14 year-old Gage, 12 year-old Izzy and 12 year-old Gavin. Their daughters are 2 year-old Sariah and 9 year-old Abigail.

Jeff’s career as a chef spans 20 years. He began his cooking apprenticeship at the Bear Creek Country Club at the age of 15. By the time he was 17, he was working there as the lead line cook. At 19, Jeff left Bear Creek and went on to work in a management position as a chef de partie at the Barona Resort and Casino in Lakeside.

After Barona, and before coming to work at the Canyon Lake Lodge, Jeff worked at the Pala Casino.

Jeff  began working as the chef and Food and Beverage Director at the Lodge in April 2003. He left in April 2006 to work as a private caterer. The CLPOA asked him to return to the Lodge in October 2011.

Jeff oversees the Lodge’s day-to-day operations and about 30 staff members. He’s also the head chef, as well as in charge of the purchasing, banquets and marketing.

“My departure from the Lodge doesn’t have anything to do with the community. I like the community or I wouldn’t have come back a second time,” says Jeff. “A better job offer is my reason for leaving.”

Many things have happened at the Lodge during Jeff’s seven years of employment. He says his highlights were the 2015 Johnny Lee and David Cook Concerts. “Those concerts were the best thing we’ve done; it took the Lodge to the next level,” says Jeff. “The Association should have more concerts there. They are good for both the Lodge and the community.”

Jeff’s last day of employment was October 22. The Lodge employees threw him a going-away party at the Sports Stop Pub & Grill the week before his departure. They presented him with a banner that was signed by all the employees.

Jeff’s hope for the future of the Lodge is that the residents continue to support it. He says, “The Lodge is one of Canyon Lake’s best amenities and I hope the residents continue to support it, so that it succeeds and the residents can enjoy it for many years to come.”