Hospitality Workers Compete to Showcase their Summer Skills in Battle of the Brands
John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – With the heart of the summer season now over, front line workers in the hospitality industry competed to demonstrate their work skills. The after-Labor Day event is called ‘The Battle of the Brands.”
They competed at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in the rotunda area.
The teams were mostly from hotels and resorts. Visit Santa Barbara had their own team.Teams entered the competition area with high energy and some included a dance routine.
The event started in 2018 after the mudflow disaster and a slow down in the industry. The purpose is to boost employee morale and showcase their talents.
That includes bed making, drink carrying through an obstacle course, and cake decorating..
Warren Nocon is the Hotel Californian Managing Director. He was the event host. “It has been a great summer for us, all things considered, and this is our way to give back to them and celebrate with them and have some fun with it in the meantime.”
The first event was to build a small book case where some leftover books from their properties will be donated.
Tools and teamwork came together but sometimes what looks simple can be complicated if you haven’t done this task before. Last year, the teams built bikes that were donated to local kids.
Carrying a tray of plastic water flutes through an obstacle course in side by side competition took a level hand, swift feet and a pace that kept all the water in each one from spilling.
The winning team had experience. Jesus Castillo with the Kimpton Canary said, “I can carry 30 at the same time without dropping anything.”
In addition to some of the traditional hospitality duties the employees are showed off some of their other skills including golfing on a small putting green with multiple holes.
Making a perfect bed and preparing a room is one of the most valuable front line jobs at a hotel or resort. The winner was the Ojai Valley Inn and employee Josefina Olvera said, “I have represented Ojai Valley Inn for 22 years working. I’m happy.”
Lupe Romero is a housekeeping manager there and said, “it is difficult but as long as you do it with love and patience you will love it.”
Nocon said the employees he saw had enthusiasm and commitment. “They all have the best heart.”
He says the industry remains strong. “It is the number two top generating industry in town but it is also one of the largest employment industries. We are all a little short handed. We lost a lot of people through COVID, people have moved on but it is still one of the largest industries.”
The cake decorators had designs including an ocean theme and one that resembled a whimsicle building from popular local architect Jeff Shelton.
Judges included Santa Barbara City Councilmembers Oscar Gutierrez, Kristen Snedden and Wendy Santamaria along with Police Chief Kelly Gordon.
The 2025 First Place winners:
Bookcase Building – Ojai Valley Inn
The server obstacle race – Rosewood Miramar
Bed making – Ojai Valley Inn
Cake Wars – Visit Santa Barbara
Golf – Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel
Blind Taste Test – Visit Santa Barbara
Race to the Room – Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel
Talent Show- Inn at Mattie’s Tavern
Spirit Award- Ojai Valley Inn