San Antonio Movers and Shakers

Rosemary Kowalski – 6/26/10

Chairman Emeritus, The RK Group

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A distinguished businesswoman, Rosemary Kowalski, is well-known for her philanthropic efforts in San Antonio’s cultural, human service and educational organizations. Her company, the RK Group, now under the able leadership of her son, Greg Kowalski, is without question, the preeminent full-service catering organization throughout San Antonio and South Texas. The RK Group is made up of six companies: Catering by Rosemary, Inc.; Catering by Rosemary, Austin; Circa Texas, Inc.; Illusions Rentals & Designs; RKAMI and Spezzatura Florals. Rosemary’s daughter, Mary, is a well-known attorney living in California.

A native of the Alamo City, Rosemary Kowalski attended Blessed Sacrament Academy and Incarnate Word High School. After the Air Force pilot boyfriend returned to the States, Rosemary Hughes married Henry Kowalski. In 1946, she began her career in a tiny barbecue restaurant called Uncle Ben’s on North Zarzamora, which she and her husband purchased after WWII. With long hours, hard work and dedication, her reputation for giving customers “more than they expect” grew by leaps and bounds. Three years later, someone requested the first catering job: a church bazaar at St. Peters Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church. Responding to other requests, Kowalski began catering private parties, making deliveries herself in her 1953 Buick, named Geronimo, while gaining a reputation for doing a first-rate job.

By 1961, “Catering by Rosemary” had become the official company name. In 1968, Rosemary was called upon to cater most of the official events of Hemisfair. Afterwards, the city of San Antonio offered her the contract for all catering services in the new convention center. Kowalski believes excellence is not about meeting your customer needs; it’s about anticipating them and exceeding them. “Attitude is everything”. That is her philosophy. She believes that maintaining a positive attitude and a love of work is the key to success.

Rosemary Kowalski has enriched the lives of thousands through her generosity and dedication to her beloved San Antonio. Rosemary is currently on the board of the Museo Alameda, Greater San Antonio After-School All-Stars, Hispanic Heritage Center, Hope for the Future, International Women’s Forum, Les Dames D’Escoffier, Order of the Cascaron, Japan America Society of San Antonio, Japan America Society of San Antonio with East Asia Institute, and San Antonio Parks Foundation. She is on the advisory boards for the following: Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Autism Treatment Center, Daily Bread, Lighthouse for the blind, San Antonio Area Foundation, and Texas A&M San Antonio. She is also an active member and sponsor of Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Impact San Antonio, La Gloria Guadalupe Street, Southwest Council for Bio Medical Research, San Antonio River Foundation (Rio Vivo Legacy Level), S.M.A.R.T. Fair, Sticky Wicket, Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, University of Texas Health Science Center, and the Quillin Society Witte Museum.

Rosemary Kowalski exemplifies life-long achievement and generosity. At the energetic age of 85, she continues to take a leadership role at The RK Group to insure that generations of San Antonians have a bright, productive future.

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