San Francisco lost a culinary icon this week with the passing of Joe Betz, the legendary owner of House of Prime Rib who embodied the city’s rich hospitality history. Born in Germany in 1939, Betz’s journey from a teenage waiter to a beloved restaurant owner is the kind of immigrant success story that defines the American dream.

A Culinary Journey Like No Other

Betz’s path wasn’t paved with silver spoons. At just 14, he was on his own, using restaurant work as a lifeline for survival. His resilience led him from waiting tables in Europe to working cruise ships, eventually landing in San Francisco in 1962 with nothing but determination and hospitality skills.

More Than Just Meat and Potatoes

Beyond serving countless prime rib dinners, Betz was known for his philanthropy. Every Christmas Eve, he and his family would personally serve thousands of pounds of prime rib to guests at Glide Memorial Church, teaching his grandchildren about community and compassion. “We’re not just donating it,” he once said, “but my sons and I and my grandchildren are there serving it because I want my grandchildren to see there are two sides of the world , and people work very hard”.

A Legacy of Hospitality

For 40 years, Betz preserved a slice of mid-20th century San Francisco dining culture. Even after retiring, he remained committed to creating an affordable, welcoming dining experience where customers wouldn’t worry about the bill. His restaurant became more than a meal , it was a time capsule of San Francisco’s culinary history.