San Francisco County
Biographies
J. JOHN
EPPINGER
J. John Eppinger, president of The Golden Pheasant, Incorporated, under which firm name he conducts two of the most modern, attractive and popular restaurants and confectioneries combined in the city of San Francisco, is known nationally as one of the leading executives in this particular trade, and has been so recognized by the leading trade organizations.
Mr. Eppinger was born in Dixon, Solano county, California, September 29, 1880, and is a son of Herman and Pauline (Fleischer) Eppinger. Herman Eppinger was a prominent figure in northern California during the pioneer days, and for many years thereafter. He came to this state in the early ‘50s, his journey having been made by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and for a time after his arrival he prospected for gold in the Shingle Springs district. He then settled in Dixon, where he engaged in the general merchandise business, and in partnership with his brother, under the firm name of Eppinger & Company, he bought and shipped grain, this firm having become one of the “big four” during the era of grain growing in California. He maintained his home in Dixon until 1890, when he moved to San Francisco, where the headquarters of the firm were situated. However, he retained his merchandising interests in Dixon. He was president of the San Francisco Produce Exchange, and always took an active interest in civic matters in this city. His death occurred in the year 1916. Pauline (Fleischer) Eppinger, his wife, was of German parentage, and came to California as a young girl. They became the parents of two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. Mrs. Eppinger died in 1907.
J. John Eppinger attended the grade schools and Lowell high school in San Francisco, and graduated from the latter in 1898. He then took up his advanced studies at the University of California, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Letters degree in 1902. He is president of his alumni class. After graduating from the state university, Mr. Eppinger began the study of law at the Columbia Law School, but never engaged in actual practice. Instead, he took up ranching activities in the Delta country, to which he devoted his attention for three years. In 1906, the year of the fire, he came to San Francisco and bought an interest in the Golden Pheasant. The business was incorporated, and he served as secretary until 1922, since which year he has been president of the corporation. This organization conducts two of the finest establishments of their kind in San Francisco, one situated at Geary and Powell streets, and the other at 32 Geary street. Both are restaurants, with an extensive line of candies and pastries in addition, and about one hundred and sixty-five people are employed in the two locations. The general office of The Golden Pheasant, Incorporated, is at the 32 Geary street address. Mr. Eppinger has been president of the San Francisco Restaurant Association since 1913, which fact is indicative of the eminent standing he holds among the restaurant men in a city internationally known for the excellence of this particular business. He is also president of the Hotels, Restaurants & Purveyors Association, and a director of the National Restaurant Association.
On April 20, 1913, in San Francicso, Mr. Eppinger took as his wife Miss Hanna Wollenberg, who was born in the state of Oregon and reared in San Francisco. They are the parents of twin daughters, Helen and Jean. The family residence in San Francisco is at 22 Seventh avenue.
Mr. Eppinger is a republican in his political affiliation. He belongs to the Concordia Club, the Commonwealth Club, and the Lake Merced Golf Club. Golf is one of his favorite recreations, while fishing and packing trips into the mountains are other pleasurable diversions. His greatest interests are, however, the companionship of his family, the environment of his home, and the conduct of the business in which he has made such a notable success.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 11-13.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S SAN
FRANCISCO BIOGRAPIES