San Francisco’s culinary history lost a true icon this week with the passing of Joe Betz, the beloved owner of the legendary House of Prime Rib. At 86 years old, Betz represented more than just a restaurant owner – he embodied the spirit of resilience and hospitality that defines our city’s vibrant food scene.

Born in Germany in 1939, Betz’s journey to San Francisco was anything but ordinary. By the age of 14, he was already supporting himself, taking jobs in restaurants to survive in the post-war landscape. His determination led him to work as a server in Switzerland, eventually securing a job on a cruise ship that brought him to the United States.

In 1962, Betz arrived in San Francisco and began working at Hoffman’s Grill, a historic restaurant that no longer exists. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly emerged, and by 1968, he became one of the city’s youngest restaurant owners. His most significant achievement came in 1985 when he purchased the House of Prime Rib, a restaurant he would transform into a San Francisco institution.

Betz was known not just for his business acumen, but for his deep commitment to community. Each Christmas Eve, he and his family would personally serve thousands of pounds of prime rib at Glide Memorial Church, demonstrating a profound understanding of social responsibility. “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”.

Despite retiring from daily operations, Betz remained connected to the restaurant, even creating a memorable video during the pandemic about the House of Prime Rib’s reopening. His son Steven has continued the family legacy, maintaining the restaurant’s classic mid-20th-century charm.

Joe Betz’s life story is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the immigrant experience that has shaped San Francisco. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the city’s most beloved dining establishments.