UPDATE: Kalamazoo community mourns loss of ‘Taco Bob’ Ketteman

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The founder of local Kalamazoo Mexican restaurant chain Taco Bob’s died Sunday.

Bob Ketteman, affectionately known as “Taco Bob,” died Sunday, March 1, according to a statement from the business.

“For over 30 years, Bob grew his legacy not only through his beautiful family and their restaurants, but by teaching and sharing his signature Taco Bob’s Attitude of success,” the statement reads. “Through intentional positivity and joy, he was able to inspire in our community of thousands a better day, a better view, and a better life one smile and one taco at a time.”

Related: Kalamazoo community mourns loss of ‘Taco Bob’ Ketteman

Ketteman, 60, and his wife, Nancy, started in the taco business with a Taco Grande franchise they bought from his brother in 1985, Nancy Ketteman told the Kalamazoo Gazette in an article published in 2010. The couple later opened their first independent restaurant, named Taco Bob’s, in 1988.

Friends and family of Taco Bob’s, we are deeply saddened to share news of the passing of a legend in our community. This... Posted by Taco Bob's on Monday, March 2, 2020

Today, the business has six locations including stores in Kalamazoo, Portage, Vicksburg and Mattawan. The latest location opened in August on South Westnedge Avenue.

The restaurant is planning a public celebration of life and will post details as soon as they are available, office manager Leslie Moore said.

“Thank you for your support and respect during this difficult time of grieving,” Moore said on behalf of Ketteman’s family.

Also on MLive:

Taco Bob’s opens new drive-thru location on Westnedge

Michigan’s Best Taco search gets a little ‘funny’ at Taco Bob’s in Kalamazoo