Meet Robert Hall’s Right-Hand Man: Rich Lewis

If you have attended an event at Robert Hall over the past year, you may have had the pleasure of meeting Rich Lewis. 

Known as our right-hand man, Rich is our go-to guy for all those little tasks that are essential to keeping an event running smoothly. From setting up and breaking down tables and chairs, to directing traffic, washing dishes, and greeting guests, Rich lends a (very) helping hand to any and every corner inside Robert Hall. 

“Rich is a very passionate worker when it comes to fine dining and execution,” said Kristopher Walter, Robert Hall’s Event Manager. “His attention to detail, amongst his other hospitable qualities, makes it easy for me to have him on our team. Rich fully grasps all the intangible things that you cannot teach in this industry and his big heart shows through when he is assisting any of our guests or vendors.”’

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Rich to learn more about his role, his experience in the service and hospitality industry, and what he enjoys most about working at Robert Hall. 

 

The Robert Hall Team: We knew from day one that your storied history in the service and hospitality industry would be an asset to us here at Robert Hall. Can you share a little bit about some of your previous work experiences and how they led you to Robert Hall?

Rich Lewis: I have been in the restaurant business for 40 years, and I’ve done it all. Before the pandemic, I was at a place called 1924 Prime on the campus of High Point University. It’s sort of a learning lab for the students. They learn how to make reservations, the ins and outs of fine dining, and they’re required to dress nice. I was a head waiter and enjoyed having the opportunity to teach students etiquette—I did that for ten years. Christy Cox Spencer [Robert Hall’s Proprietor] is my cousin. When I saw that Robert Hall was really starting to take off I approached her about working here. I knew that Kristopher was handling events on his own and that he could probably use another set of hands. I’ve been helping out with weddings and any event that is large enough to need me. I’ll do whatever is necessary—take out the trash, put up signs, wash dishes, clean up at the end of the night, direct traffic, and whatever else needs to be done. I’m here to put my best foot forward and make this place even better. 

 

What do you love most about working here? Do you have a favorite space at Robert Hall?

I love interacting with our guests and vendors. Everyone has been so friendly and thankful for the work we put into making their event a success. We see lots of celebrations and it’s nice meeting so many people that are wonderful to work with. As far as a favorite event space, it’s obviously going to be Capone’s Bar. I love the story about the bar itself. Once our guests hear it they start oohing and ahhing and saying “oh my gosh, Al Capone used to sit at this bar.” I love sharing the history behind the bar and pointing out all the cigarette burns, because, you never know, they may have come from Al Capone’s very own cigar. Robert Hall is such a wonderful place to host an event. The spaces are versatile, the catering kitchen is beautiful, and The Huntley House is the perfect place to stay the night. We have everything you need all right here in this one little area. 

 

Speaking of events, what has been your favorite event that you have worked so far?

I loved the Robert Hall Secret Supper Society’s Halloween-themed bash because I got to dress up for that one—I was Dracula. But, it’s really the weddings. They always get to me because people are here celebrating and there is so much joy and love. Any wedding where people are happy, nice, and love what we do is really awesome. I love making people happy.