Why Rob Dob’s
Rob Dob’s is certainly a unique restaurant name. Yes, it’s an abbreviation of co-owner Bob Dobski’s name, but Bob has an even more personal connection to the name, a moniker he’s been using for more than 60 years.
Early in Bob’s life, creativity was something at the forefront of his mind. In third grade, Bob qualified to be a contestant on an art program for kids on Chicago’s WGN TV. For each contest, contestants were given an easel, a blank sheet of paper, and coloring utensils and were instructed to draw a specific item. In the first round, Bob was tasked with drawing a picture of Santa Claus. Bob’s drawing won the first round, advancing him to the second round, where things got a little more challenging.
In round two, Bob and the other children who advanced were instructed to draw a scenic depiction of a church on a winter’s day. Bob advanced to the final round, where he drew a portrait of one of his parents. He illustrated his loving mother, which earned a second-place finish in the final round. The painting remains framed and is displayed in his office to this day.
As most know, a piece of art is not complete without a final signature from the artist. As a young boy, Bob had never been asked to sign anything before, so he sought help from someone in his life who had signed thousands of letters and other documents. He asked his father how he should sign his very first art piece.
His dad also shared a creative mind and thought it might be better to use something different than Bob Dobski. His dad suggested, Rob Dob, and Bob loved the idea. The rest is history.
Before entering business full-time and purchasing his first McDonald’s in 1982, Bob spent a significant amount of time studying art. He took classes at the historic Art Institute in the Chicago loop early in his teens, and later at the American Academy of Art also in Chicago.
Though Bob’s business and philanthropic ventures have consumed most of his time over the last several years, each Bob Dobski original painting is marked with the Rob Dob signature.
Despite not continuing work as an artist, Bob Dobski’s creative energy is refocused and captured in Rob Dob’s Restaurant & Bar.
