Hotel San Luis Obispo Appoints Lannon Rust as Manager of Michelin-Recognized Modern Steakhouse, Ox + Anchor

Hotel San Luis Obispo, Piazza Hospitality’s first property on California’s scenic Central Coast, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lannon Rust as restaurant manager of Ox + Anchor, the property’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse.  A prominent figure in the Central Coast’s hospitality, culinary, and wine industries, Rust has a wealth of knowledge and expertise honed over a career spanning more than 25 years.  His experience as a sommelier, entrepreneur, wine director, and manager will contribute to his success in his new role at the hotel’s restaurant.

“I am proud to join the Ox + Anchor team after working closely with Chef Fancher and his outstanding team while consulting on the wine program,” said Lannon Rust.  “Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to creating environments where both guests and staff feel valued, inspired, and engaged.  I have personally experienced the power of exceptional hospitality and memorable dining experiences as a guest at Ox + Anchor, so I look forward to beginning this exciting new chapter of my professional journey at an establishment that well aligns with a hospitality-first mindset.”

Rust has built a reputation as a trusted wine expert and a skilled manager committed to delivering memorable guest experiences and service.  Most recently, Rust served as managing partner of Danior Catering and Commissary, a premier high-end catering company based in San Luis Obispo where he managed all client communication and inquiries relating to luxury private event catering, as well as managing the internal team and operating expenses leading the company to a staggering increase in revenue.  With his passion for wine and years of practical work experience in the hospitality industry, he founded Rust Wine Company, a wholesale wine brokerage firm where he built and manages a portfolio of small and up and coming wine brands from across California.  Through consulting projects on behalf of his company, Rust has offered comprehensive services tailored to enhance beverage programs and wine lists for various businesses.

At the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant Thoman Hill Organics in Paso Robles, Rust climbed the ranks from server and sommelier to manager and wine director.  He collaborated with the culinary team to design a cohesive menu and wine list, maintained all beverage inventories, planned monthly wine dinners and industry events, and developed a culture of learning for the staff.  Prior to his time at Thomas Hill Organics, he honed his managerial skills at Foremost Wine Company where his passion for hospitality and wine only grew.

As a certified sommelier, Lannon has participated in prestigious events such as the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, LA Food & Wine Festival, and World of Pinot Noir where his industry knowledge and discerning palate have earned him recognition among industry peers.

Ox + Anchor, led by acclaimed Executive Chef Ryan Fancher, is a modern spin on the classic steakhouse.  The elevated menu is inspired by the hills and sea surrounding San Luis Obispo and features a carefully curated list of the best wines from the Central Coast to keep the guest experience rooted in the local “terroir,” from plate to glass.  It also hosts monthly winemaker dinners in collaboration with renowned Central Coast wineries.

Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo’s vibrant downtown, Hotel San Luis Obispo is the perfect home base for visitors to explore the attractions of the Central Coast, as well as a lively social hub for locals.  

For more information about Ox and Anchor, please visit www. https://oxandanchor.com/.  For more information about Hotel San Luis Obispo, please visit https://hotel-slo.com/. 

About Hotel San Luis Obispo

Bringing an unprecedented level of luxury accommodations, dining, and wellness to the city, Hotel San Luis Obispo is the ideal home base for exploring the California Central Coast’s many attractions, from the notable wine regions of Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, and Santa Margarita to scenic hiking trails and beaches. The 78-room hotel provides exceptional amenities for its overnight guests and local patrons, including an expansive rooftop bar and accompanying lounge, and two onsite restaurants, Piadina and Ox + Anchor, led by Executive Chef Ryan Fancher.  Piadina offers a fresh California take on Italian cuisine with a menu showcasing its wood-fired oven, and Ox + Anchor is a modern spin on the classic steakhouse, providing a relaxed fine-dining experience with a menu that draws inspiration from the hills and sea that surround San Luis Obispo. For intimate gatherings to large celebrations, Hotel San Luis Obispo offers nearly 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, ranging from a fully equipped board room and wine cellar to a grand ballroom and rooftop terrace for groups of up to 180 people for meetings and events.  A 10-minute drive from the coast, Hotel San Luis Obispo’s location in the increasingly bustling downtown encourages guests to discover the city’s numerous dining, shopping, wineries, and entertainment options, as well as providing convenient access to hiking trails and scenic beaches.  Environmentally conscious travelers will appreciate the property’s sustainable elements, including reusable water bottles for every guest, refill stations throughout the hotel, and charging stations for electric vehicles