Story
If You're Reading This, You’re in The Club
Congratulations, you’re in San Francisco. Gold Rush gateway. Birthplace of the beat movement. Counterculture HQ. Fog City technopolis. The world — past and future — crammed into 49 heart-stopping square miles.
It's not just a city — it's a club.
It’s not for everybody, and that’s fine. Our membership is self-selecting. We like it that way.
The Holbrook House is the beating heart of the reborn San Francisco Financial District; a sophisticated throwback to a gilded era. Anchoring one of the City’s most important civic gathering spaces in the expansive Conservatory at One Sansome, the Holbrook House is an exclusive gathering place for locals and those who wish they were. The signature space features one of San Francisco’s most jaw-dropping bars and the sumptuous environmental design of Jeff Schlarb Design Studio. Need a martini? Champagne? Flip the switch. Literally.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Phil Spiegel - Principal
Philip is the visionary behind the Conservatory at One Sansome and the adjoining Holbrook House, partnering with PGIM Real Estate and the Barker Pacific Group to breathe new life into a longtime jewel of the San Francisco Financial District, One Sansome Street. This $25 million dollar renovation includes The Conservatory at One Sansome, a one-of-a-kind historic event facility, The Holbrook House, a brand new destination bar and restaurant and the Conservatory Business Park, a full service business center. Taken together The Conservatory at One Sansome, home of The Holbrook House, proved to be 2023's splashiest opening and is now a symbol of reinvigoration for the recovering Financial District.
Spiegel, a 3rd-generation native San Franciscan with more than a decade of executive experience in in the upper echelon of San Francisco’s high-stakes hospitality industry, has a long tenure as the key business architect and driving operational force behind Merchants Exchange Productions, the entity responsible for iconic San Francisco properties including the Julia Morgan Ballroom, the Merchants Exchange Club and Credo Restaurant.
Vicki Tom - Executive Vice President of Operations
Vicki is a skilled and accomplished professional in the dynamic field of hospitality. Born and raised in San Francisco, she has dedicated her entire career to working in the city, accumulating an impressive 28 years of experience. With a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics and a graduate certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Vicki has honed her expertise in various roles within the food and beverage industry. She has successfully managed operations in formal dining rooms, casual bars, snack bars, and organized a wide range of private events, including weddings, social gatherings, and corporate functions. Recently, Vicki took on the role of Executive Vice President of Operations at Please FiDi | Conservatory at One Sansome | Holbrook House, where she continues to bring her professionalism and expertise to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all.
Lillian Phan - Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing
The unrivaled force behind experiential events and hospitality is the head of events + partnerships for The Conservatory at One Sansome. With a touch of sophistication and a flair for opulence, Lillian curates top vendors and customer experiences that redefine luxury. From rocking the small screen on the Food Network’s Chef Dynasty: House of Fang producing events to collaborating with top names like Chef Michael Mina of the Mina Group, she's making waves in San Francisco's culinary scene, launching and leading several new hospitality projects. Lillian—a philanthropic powerhouse and forever USC Trojan—has planned over 350 weddings, galas and special events and personally chaired high profile fundraisers for the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House and the Junior League of San Francisco. In her spare time, Lillian enjoys exploring San Francisco’s culinary scene and traveling with her husband Alec and their daughter Camellia.
Hernan Martinez - General Manager and Beverage Director
Hernan honed his management skills with extensive experience in renowned establishments such as Eleven Madison Park, Maison Premiere, and Cosme in New York City before stepping out to open his very own acclaimed restaurant, Hampton Street Vineyard in South Carolina. As fate would have it, he decided his future was on the West Coast and joined the well regarded, Cotogna in San Francisco, where he would continue to apply his expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence in the business of culinary service. Hernan now takes on the inaugural role of General Manager and Beverage Director at Holbrook House, poised to make a significant impact in the San Francisco restaurant industry. Proud of his Latin heritage, Hernan originally hails from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and brings a rich cultural background and a passion for gastronomy to his career in the hospitality industry.
Sebastian Brown - Executive Chef
Growing up in the vibrant island life of Key West, Sebastian's love for cooking sparked early, surrounded by fresh seafood. With over 20 years in the culinary game, he sharpened his skills at the Art Institute and kicked off his career at the esteemed Ocean Key House Hotel. Inspired by Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry Cookbook, Chef Sebastian headed west to be immersed in Northern California’s top-notch ingredients and culinary talent. He climbed the ranks at the Mina Group, thriving as Executive Sous Chef at Michael Mina’s Michelin-starred flagship in San Francisco. During the pandemic, Chef Sebastian co-founded a restaurant group in downtown Oakland, championing sustainability and revitalizing the East Bay’s dining scene. Collaborating with the best Bay Area chefs, he celebrates the region’s culinary diversity and community strength. We’re beyond excited to have Chef Sebastian at the helm for The Conservatory at One Sansome, home of the Holbrook House. With his exceptional culinary creative power, he’s bringing the heat.
MEET OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Kyle Holthaus - Assistant General Manager
Our Assistant General Manager, Kyle is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in some of the most renowned establishments within the culinary world. Kyle’s colorful hospitality journey includes roles at The Mercer Kitchen and Buddakan in NYC. It was at Le Bernardin Privé, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to perfection, where Kyle's expertise truly flourished. His wealth of experiences offer a unique blend of service and sophistication that is truly exceptional.
Victoria Crowe - Guest Services Manager
Our recently promoted Guest Services Manager is a seasoned hospitality pro with fine dining restaurant experience from SF to LA. What started as a college hosting gig evolved into a dynamic career, bringing her back to the Bay in 2023 to pursue an MFA in Creative Nonfiction and join Holbrook House as a founding front-of-house team member. Now wearing many hats in guest services, sales, and executive support, Victoria is all about creating memorable, tailored experiences for clients. When she’s not crafting events, Victoria’s writing a memoir on womanhood, enjoying yoga, or exploring San Francisco—a city she always returns to. We hope you book your next event with her!