THE RK GROUP
The RK Group started changing the event-dining landscape in Texas 80 years ago with fresh ingredients, innovative menus, and attention to detail in every appetizer, entrée and dessert we serve. That tradition continues to this day, as does catering to our clients’ every need and dedication to exciting palates while exceeding expectations. Like many success stories, ours starts with an individual spark. When Rosemary Kowalski began catering private parties in 1946, expanding on the small barbecue diner she and her husband Henry owned, the Kowalski family name quickly gained culinary fame. By 1968, Rosemary’s Catering had grown to become the preferred caterer for many of San Antonio’s most prominent social and business events. That same year, HemisFair ’68 shined an international spotlight on the city, and Rosemary’s Catering added even more distinction as the official caterer for 105 of the 112 pavilion celebrations at the world’s fair.
By 1981, it was clear that the business — which had expanded to several buildings around the city and now offered equipment rentals, floral designs, and additional event services — needed to be under one roof. The entire operation moved to a six-acre site in downtown San Antonio, marking an important milestone in the company’s growth. As demand for rental equipment continued to rise, a new company — Illusions Tents, Rentals and Event Design — was formed and housed alongside the catering operation, reinforcing the organization’s emerging “one-stop hospitality” approach.
In 1989, Rosemary Kowalski officially transitioned leadership to her son, Greg Kowalski, and the company was rebranded as The RK Group.
With Greg Kowalski at the helm of an expanding leadership team and growing enterprise, The RK Group continued to diversify and evolve. This period saw the founding of Circa DM, a specialized destination management company, and Flair Floral, providing floral design for a wide range of event styles. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, The RK Group broadened its geographic reach and service offerings, operating the Capitol Grill and Story of Texas Café, providing catering services for the University of Texas Etter-Harbin Alumni Center in Austin, and supporting major venue and hospitality partnerships. Expansion beyond Texas followed with the establishment of a Phoenix office in 2008, the opening of a Houston office in 2011, and the launch of an additional Illusions operation in Austin that same year. Under Greg’s leadership, the organization has now expanded its integrated service model into a portfolio of more than 15 collaborative brands, serving clients across Texas, the United States, and international markets.
In 2020, The RK Group marked another defining chapter with its move to a permanent headquarters on the historic grounds of the restored Red Berry Estate in southeast San Antonio. The new headquarters reflects both the company’s 80-year legacy and its future-forward vision, supporting continued growth, collaboration, and innovation across its expanding family of brands.
This film by local PBS channel KLRN documents Rosemary Kowalski’s life along with the coming of age of San Antonio, which helped her build a leading catering company. The program also highlights the strength and success of The RK Group today under the direction and vision of President and CEO Greg Kowalski.
Today, The RK Group continues to expand its integrated service offerings, contracted venue management engagements, restaurants, and culinary and hospitality program management operations for partner organizations. Guided by Greg Kowalski’s leadership, the company carries forward a family tradition of quality, service, and innovation while inspiring and supporting a team of more than 1,000 employees building upon the path first paved by Rosemary Kowalski.
