Remembering the King of Hospitality: Bob Thieman

Published February 25, 2024

by David Bossman

I shall always remember Bob Thieman. He was one of those special characters who speaks his mind and keeps his promises. He could be tough, but he also was incredibly charitable. Perhaps most important, he loved to see people have fun. For all of those reasons, the man was a San Miguel icon.

Bob’s death on February 14th in Dallas, Texas was not a surprise to his close friends. He had been treated for prostate cancer for at least three years, but his health continued to slowly fail. He remained in regular contact with many friends, including his buddy and business partner, Juan Travis. He died a peaceful death, accompanied by his wife and daughter.

As with so many strong individuals, it’s helpful to look back to their upbringing. Bob was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 4, 1952. He attended Catholic schools, even serving as an altar boy. Bob was also on his high school swim team. His experience as an Eagle Scout also helped shape his outlook on life. While at the University of Cincinnati, he played drums for a band called The Unknowns. (Bob claimed that the band “lived up to its name.”) He studied sociology and graduated in 1972. As with so many young men at the time, his work experience helped him decide what he wanted to do with his future. His part-time job experience at Edward’s Manufacturing Company Restaurant led him to fall in love with that business. He was hooked.

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