Palma Busser

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 264-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Nestled within Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Palma offers an elevated dining experience that celebrates coastal California ingredients with European finesse. The restaurant's warm, sophisticated atmosphere features natural materials, earth tones, and modern design elements that complement its refined yet approachable cuisine. We are seeking a polished, detail-oriented Busser to enhance our distinguished service team at Palma. The ideal candidate embodies gracious hospitality while maintaining the highest standards of elegance and efficiency in our dining experience.

Our most successful candidates bring a minimum of 3-5 years of experience from renowned hotel restaurants, private clubs, or Michelin-recognized establishments. Your expertise should reflect an intimate understanding of fine dining service standards, wine service protocols, and the subtle art of anticipatory service that defines luxury hospitality.

Position Responsibilities

• Orchestrate seamless dining experiences through sophisticated service choreography
• Maintain immaculate attention to table maintenance and proper place setting arrangements
• Anticipate guest and server needs with intuitive, unobtrusive service
• Execute precise table resets according to fine dining standards
• Participate in ongoing service trainings to refine techniques and elevate guest experiences
• Ensure proper wine glass and stemware presentation and maintenance
• Support servers with food delivery and synchronized service
• Maintain detailed knowledge of menu offerings to assist guests when appropriate
• Collaborate seamlessly with kitchen staff, servers, and support staff
• Participate in pre-shift meetings and ongoing training sessions
• Other duties as assigned

Qualification Standards

Your role demands an elevated understanding of fine dining operations, including:

• Minimum 3 years of prior experience in luxury hospitality or fine dining establishments preferred
• Understanding of formal service standards and fine dining etiquette
• Polished presence and sophisticated communication skills
• Ability to anticipate guest needs and provide discrete, unobtrusive service
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a warm, genuine approach to hospitality
• Ability to maintain composure and efficiency during high-volume periods
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• State-Certified Alcohol Compliance Training (ABC/RBS) Required
• CA Food Handler's Card Required

Experience

• Minimum 3-5+ years of experience in similar position.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of luxury hospitality trends and best practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability of a growth mindset
• Deep understanding of guest experience and service excellence
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, and sanitation protocols.
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Work in varying temperature conditions.

Company Overview Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry—to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

To achieve our vision—to inspire and transport people—we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.