The San Francisco 49ers may be 3-0 and looking like early contenders, but George Kittle had a much heavier moment off the field. News surfaced that Joe Betz, the iconic owner of San Francisco’s House of Prime Rib, passed away at 86.
For Kittle, who’s made the Bay Area his NFL home, Betz wasn’t just a legendary restaurateur. He was a mentor, a friend, and a staple in his San Francisco story. Kittle turned to Instagram to honor him with three emotional posts. The first was a photo alongside Betz, captioned: “Joe you will be missed dearly. Thank you for always being so welcoming and kind to me, my family, and the Niners!” That alone hit fans right in the heart, but Kittle followed it with more stories that showed just how deeply Betz impacted his life.
The second showed Betz with former teammate Mike McGlinchey, with George Kittle writing, “One of my favorite pics of Joe and @mmcglinch68 at his rookie O-line dinner.” That showed the love Betz had for the city’s football team. But Kittle had more in his heart.
The third was a simple snapshot of the restaurant’s menu, paired with a heart emoji. Each story was a small window into the bond Kittle shared with the man behind one of San Francisco’s most legendary restaurants. Betz’s impact went far beyond the dining room.
Every Christmas Eve, he personally delivered prime rib dinners to those in need through Glide Memorial Church. He carved the same aged cuts served in his restaurant, joined by his sons and grandchildren, donating over 2,000 pounds of beef annually. His generosity was quiet but immense, showing that his heart was as big as his reputation.
For George Kittle, these memories were deeply personal. From rookie dinners to family meals, Betz left a mark on the 49ers’ locker room just as much as he did on the city. His warmth and generosity were a lesson in kindness and humanity, one Kittle wanted to honor publicly.
Who was Joe Betz, the famous restaurateur and George Kittle’s friend?
Joe Betz’s life was a story of ambition, charm, and a relentless work ethic. Born Josef Betz in Bavaria, Germany, in 1939, he started waiting tables at just 14. His early years took him across Europe, working in cafes, restaurants, and even on cruise ships. By 1962, he arrived in San Francisco with little more than determination and a dream. He started at Hoffman’s Grill, a modest pre-WWII diner, and quickly stood out.
By 1968, he bought the restaurant, becoming the youngest restaurateur in San Francisco. Over the years, he expanded into catering, coffee shops, and nightlife, always chasing new opportunities while staying true to his passion for service and hospitality. In 1985, Betz purchased the House of Prime Rib, a San Francisco institution founded in 1949. Under his leadership, it became legendary for its dry-aged beef carved tableside, old-world charm, and welcoming atmosphere.
One famous thing that many pointed out was his polaroid camera. He often took photos of the guests and gave it to them before leaving. It made their occasions even more special. The rare ability to make every guest feel special made him stand out.
Family was central to Betz’s life. He is survived by his sons Michael and Steven, and several grandchildren, who often worked alongside him in the restaurant. From a young Bavarian waiter to a San Francisco icon, Joe Betz embodied dedication, warmth, and kindness. He touched countless lives, including George Kittle’s, leaving a lasting impression far beyond the walls of the House of Prime Rib.