TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

While most of Bakersfield is still tucked snugly under the covers, Bambi Hall is busily prepping a dish of hearty smiles with extra sugar every morning at The DoubleTree.

Arriving for her shift at 5 a.m., she sprints through a busy breakfast-to-lunch marathon four days a week. The hotel cafe's secret weapon anticipates regulars in need of a jumpstart to their workday, and has been known to rev up a room with more than just the daily special.

"I like to treat people like family and friends," said Hall during a brief afternoon break in the hotel lobby, still in earshot of the café where she's worked for more than 29 years.

"I know what my regulars are gonna have to drink once they walk in, and I try to call everyone by their first name, even if I'm serving them for the first time."

It's an effective philosophy that's helped make her a hit with customers of all ages, many of whom insist on being seated in her section, even if it requires a little wait.

"I've been fortunate that a lot of people ask for me when they come in. That's one of the biggest compliments I can get, and I always want to look professional for them. Once I get going, I don't stop."

A few minutes into our conversation, it's apparent Hall is one of the hotel's most beloved fixtures as she gets several waves from folks strolling out through the DoubleTree's main doors. From international dignitaries, to local politicians, celebrities and bridge club socialites, there isn't anyone Hall hasn't greeted, served and, on occasion, counseled.

"I was hired here before those doors opened," she recalled.

"I used to cook for the crew when they were building. I've waited on Charles Bronson, Bridget Fonda, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sean Penn..."

But Hall comes by her work ethic -- and brushes with movie stars -- naturally, having grown up in Burbank, the daughter of a a single mother who worked tirelessly to raise four children.

Growing up in a working-class home surrounded by the glitz of Tinsel Town, she remembers waiting anxiously for her mother's return home from work.

"My mom was one of the original IHOP waitresses in Hollywood. Every night she used to come home with all this change in tips -- back then it was always just coins. I used to help her roll it up thinking, 'My mom's rich.' I used to go with her to work sometimes and watch. She was so fast."

That attraction to the high-energy waitressing lifestyle led Hall to her first job at the legendary Hot Dog Show restaurant in the celebrity-rich area of Toluca Lake, where she remembers serving customers like Bob Hope and other stars before moving closer to Hollywood.

She worked alongside then-aspiring actress Kathleen Quinlan a few years before she made her acting debut in "American Graffiti," a film that starred Hall's childhood neighbor, Ron Howard.

But her future husband Rod was the one who was really starstruck during his produce deliveries to the diner where she worked.

"Rod would put flowers in my time box all the time, even though I had a boyfriend at the time. He always said how pretty I was and was always very sweet."

Those romantic advances were enough to sweep her off her feet, and the two married in 1977.

"We've been together ever since. He's a fantastic cook, takes care of the house, and he's my macho man when we go camping."

Following their move to Bakersfield from Burbank, Hall landed the job with the newly built Red Lion, the name of the hotel before it became the DoubleTree.

"This is the nicest place I've ever worked, and I've worked a lot of places."

Having no children of her own, Hall said she shows an almost motherly affection toward her regulars.

"You get to know people really well around here. I have some customer cell phone numbers to check in on them if they're not feeling well. I also have a calendar with birthdays and anniversaries, and my co-worker Carl Coble and I will bake for customers sometimes."

Without sharing too many trade secrets, Hall did say anyone can find success with being a server should they choose to pursue it.

"My mom taught me to be fast, efficient, and friendly, and that's what I always strive to be. If someone's having a hard day, find a way to turn their day into a good one."