Maitre d’ – Melvyn’s Restaurant, Ingleside Estate

Position Overview

The Maitre d’ at Melvyn’s Restaurant serves as the first and lasting impression for our guests, setting the tone for a refined and memorable dining experience. With a polished presence, exceptional hospitality skills, and strong leadership, the Maitre d’ oversees front-of-house operations while ensuring every guest receives gracious, personalized service that reflects the timeless glamour of Ingleside Estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness.

• Escort guests to their tables, ensuring they are comfortably seated and attended to.

• Manage and oversee the reservation system, coordinating with the host team to balance seating flow across sections and maximize guest satisfaction.

• Confirm and, when necessary, adjust reservations in advance to optimize the dining room’s efficiency.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for guest concerns, resolving issues with discretion, grace, and professionalism; escalate to management as appropriate.

• Build and maintain rapport with regular guests and VIPs to foster loyalty and repeat visits.

• Supervise and guide front-of-house staff, including hosts and servers, ensuring seamless service and adherence to standards.

• Partner with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth coordination and timely service.

• Monitor dining room ambiance, cleanliness, and service standards, maintaining a welcoming and polished environment at all times.

• Provide ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship to front-of-house staff, reinforcing restaurant standards and service excellence.

• Support the planning and execution of special events, private dining, and banquets, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.

• Promote seasonal offerings, wine pairings, and signature dishes, enhancing both guest satisfaction and restaurant revenue.

• A key requirement for this role is punctuality, including showing up on time for scheduled shifts, in uniform and ready to work, and adhering to all rest and meal break standards as well as the company’s attendance policy.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Maitre d’ or in a senior guest-facing role within fine dining or luxury hospitality.

• Strong understanding of service standards, hospitality excellence, and guest relations.

• Knowledge of food, wine, and beverage pairings preferred.

• Proven leadership and team coordination skills with the ability to inspire staff and foster collaboration.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to multitask and manage high-pressure situations with composure.

• Proficiency in reservation systems, POS platforms, and basic Microsoft Office tools.

• Impeccable grooming, polished presentation, and professional demeanor in line with Melvyn’s legacy.

• Must obtain and maintain valid Riverside County Food Handler’s Card and California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification.

• Must complete and maintain Personable Identifiable Information (PII) training through Venza at the start of employment and annually thereafter.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. as needed.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic, guest-centric environment.

About Avalon PS HM, LLC

Avalon PS HM, LLC is a dynamic and diverse team of passionate individuals united by a shared love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is straightforward: excellence is our standard, and anything less simply doesn't meet our expectations. We actively seek out the best talent, both from within the industry and beyond, to join us as we build a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company—one inspired by timeless traditions and focused on innovation. The work we do is challenging and fast-paced, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Ingleside Estate

At the historic Ingleside Estate & Melvyn’s Restaurant, an old Hollywood glamour runs deep: Built in the 1920’s for the heirs to the Pierce Arrow Automobile Company, it was later purchased in 1935 by Palm Springs pioneer Ruth Hardy. Through the years, Ingleside served as a Palm Springs escape for A-list names including Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor, with a legacy that's still felt in its serene, hedge-lined grounds. A relaxed elegance is palpable throughout the 30 Spanish Revival rooms and suites, and on the lush lawn with pool and hot tub. The iconic dining experience of Melvyn’s restaurant and lounge completes this picturesque setting to play and escape it all.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Avalon PS HM, LLC, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We make decisions based on merit, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. We utilize E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Fair Chance Hiring

In compliance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances, Avalon PS HM, LLC will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories on an individualized basis, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity for all.