国產aⅴa麻豆

国產aⅴa麻豆University is deeply saddened to announce the passing of esteemed entrepreneur and philanthropist Duane Roberts, who passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the age of 88. A pioneering California culinary entrepreneur and hotelier, Roberts鈥� legacy includes creating one of America鈥檚 first mass-market frozen burritos and revitalizing the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in his hometown of Riverside, California. Together with his wife, Kelly, Roberts was a dedicated benefactor and supporter of Pepperdine University. In recognition of their generosity, the position of dean at the bears their names鈥攖he Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of the Caruso School of Law. The couple are also honored members of the , which recognizes donors whose lifetime gifts to the school total $5 million or more.

鈥淒uane Roberts was a true visionary whose entrepreneurial drive was matched only by his generous heart,鈥� said 国產aⅴa麻豆president Jim Gash (JD 鈥�93). 鈥淗is and Kelly鈥檚 friendship to 国產aⅴa麻豆has left an indelible mark on our community and especially on our Caruso School of Law. We are profoundly grateful for his legacy, which will continue to inspire generations of students and leaders.鈥�

鈥淒uane Roberts鈥� friendship over the years has been a great blessing to this University, and his commitment and service to 国產aⅴa麻豆will transcend time. The Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean's position, established during the Deanship of The Honorable Ken Starr, stands as a testament to the deep and enduring relationship between the Roberts family and the 国產aⅴa麻豆Caruso School of Law, further reflected in their daughter Casey鈥檚 connection as a graduate,鈥� shared , Pepperdine鈥檚 senior vice chancellor and Caruso School of Law Dean Emeritus. 鈥淢y friend, Duane Roberts, was an entrepreneur of the highest order, and his unique role in serving his original home town of Riverside, and rescuing its historic Mission Inn and upgrading it to new heights of magnificence is monumental. He was the ultimate patriot, along with his wife, Kelly. The 国產aⅴa麻豆family celebrates Duane's extraordinary life, while mourning its ending. He lived a full and richly rewarding life, touching countless people along the way.鈥�

Roberts鈥� entrepreneurial spirit was born at a young age. While still in his teens and working for his family's meat company, Butcher Boy Food Products, Inc., he realized that fast food would soon become central to the American diet. Primarily selling frozen hamburger patties to fast-food restaurants at the time, Roberts was eager to help the company branch out in the 1950s. 

Inspired by an employee鈥檚 suggestion to explore manufacturing burritos, Roberts spent days experimenting in his kitchen and eventually formulated what would eventually be the world鈥檚 first commercially available frozen burrito. In 1964 he became president of his family鈥檚 company, and by 1980 he had made it into the largest frozen Mexican-food manufacturer in the world. Butcher Boy ultimately produced more than a million burritos daily and brought in $80 million in annual sales before the family sold the business in 1980. Following the sale, Roberts decided to embark on a career as an investor. Instead of retiring and investing his proceeds in passive investments, Roberts became active in stocks and bonds, real estate, and other financial assets. Based on his keen business acumen and successful investment activities, Roberts' grew his financial assets considerably, leading him to create the Entrepreneurial Corporate Group , the umbrella organization for his diverse business and investment portfolio.

Roberts eventually turned his entrepreneurial drive toward the hospitality industry, purchasing the shuttered but once-grand Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. He led a seven-year, $55 million restoration effort, reopening the historic landmark in 1992. Through his vision and care, Roberts preserved the Mission Inn鈥檚 distinctive architecture and helped spark a broader revitalization of Riverside鈥檚 historic core. Local and regional organizations later recognized the preservation work and in 2024 Historic Hotels of America honored Roberts and his wife with the Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award.

Roberts received an honorary doctor of laws from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, in recognition of his achievements in the food industry. Among his many distinguished honors, he was appointed by former president George W. Bush to the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center and by former governor Pete Wilson to the Commission of the Californias.

Roberts also served as chairman of the board and was a devoted supporter of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, which was named in honor of his mother, Mary S. Roberts, a passionate animal welfare advocate. Guided by its mission to eliminate the suffering of homeless dogs and cats by providing humane care, facilitating adoptions to loving homes, and advancing education and sterilization efforts, the center reflects the compassion and care for animals that Roberts and his family championed throughout their lives.

Roberts is survived by his wife and his stepchildren, Doug Reinhardt and Casey (Reinhardt) Brown (鈥�15).