Legendary maître d’ Brian Ellis pulls back the velvet rope on five decades at Melvyn’s and the Ingleside Inn, where stars, moguls, and locals mixed like martinis as he opens up on this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence from the corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert.. From overbooked New Year’s Eves to Sinatra’s rehearsal dinner, Ellis recounts how front-of-house finesse, unflappable charm, and a well-timed “wave” could turn chaos into magic. He remembers iconic entertainers like Nino Fontana, explains why the Sunday Jam became a civic ritual, and shares why Mel Haber’s old-school rules kept the lights glowing and the legends returning. Ellis also reveals the craft behind saying yes to special requests, the rare moments that warranted an 86, and the human kindness that happened off the record. Finally, he updates us on life at Hotel Paseo and his forthcoming memoir packed with signatures, photos, and jaw-dropping tales. It’s a sparkling masterclass in hospitality, Palm Springs history, and the art of making every guest feel like a headliner.

Takeaways:

• Five decades at Melvyn’s made Ellis the ultimate Palm Springs gatekeeper.
• Sinatra’s rehearsal dinner at Melvyn’s put the venue on the map.
• Sunday Jam crowds became a valley ritual requiring deft crowd management.
• Mel Haber’s “say yes” ethos—and selective 86ing—shaped service culture.
• Nino Fontana’s showmanship (and breaks!) inspired unforgettable lounge lore.
• Quiet philanthropy surfaced in stories of kindness from famous patrons.
• Classic tableside dishes and upselling sustained quality and profitability.
• Ellis now brings that front-of-house magic to Hotel Paseo—and to his memoir.

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