It started with a West Side diner in 1946. Eighty years later, The RK Group is celebrating eight decades of community, family, and hospitality.
If you have celebrated a wedding, attended a major charity gala, partied during Fiesta, or gathered for a convention downtown, there is a strong chance The RK Group helped make it unforgettable. This November, the homegrown hospitality leader marks 80 years of doing what it has always done best: taking care of guests.
The journey began on November 11, 1946, when Rosemary Kowalski and her husband, Hank, opened a modest diner on San Antonio's West Side. Rosemary brought commercial catering to the city when few businesses offered it, building an enduring reputation on a simple rule: never say no.
Her son Greg grew up in that kitchen, washing dishes at age six. As the business expanded, it became woven into the city’s history. It catered the landmark opening dinners for HemisFair '68, and in 1971 became the exclusive caterer for what is now the Henry B. González Convention Center — a partnership that continues today. Rebranded as The RK Group in 1993 with Greg as President and CEO, the company now spans more than 15 brands and 1,100 team members, with a third generation of Kowalskis helping lead the way.
To kick off the milestone year, the company premiered The Rosemary Museum at its headquarters to honor the late founder (1924–2024). Designed by the in-house creative team, this dedicated space features archival photographs, keepsakes, and an interactive digital avatar that welcomes guests in Rosemary’s own voice. The permanent exhibit chronicles a century alongside the city she loved, from iconic galas and serving Queen Elizabeth II to being part of making San Antonians’ special occasions even more memorable.
Throughout the anniversary year, The RK Group will through dedicated nonprofit service and local giveback initiatives honor the community, the people, and the partners that fueled its growth.
"This anniversary is not just about us. It's also about celebrating the city we share and acknowledging the people who have been part of our story,” Greg Kowalski noted. “Making sure we continue to do whatever we can, on every level, to please every guest and visitor has always been our approach. And from our perspective, that’s really what defines great hospitality.”
To learn more about the company, visit therkgroup.com. To schedule a tour of the exhibit, visit therkgroup.com/rosemary-museum.