We Wanna Be Friends With: The Westin St. Francis' Coin Washer Rob Holsen

We Wanna Be Friends With: The Westin St. Francis' Coin Washer Rob Holsen

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Our city is chock-full of interesting people and wild personalities. Overwhelmed by the coolness? Every week we'll pick one standout local we'd love to be friends with to answer seven essential questions about their life in San Francisco.


His job title falls into a distinct category; the type that when put in print makes you stop, think and read it again.

Rob Holsen: Business Centre Supervisor, Notary Public, and Coin Washer at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Did you catch that Coin Washer part on the end?

Holsen washes all the coins that come through The Westin St. Francis. Why? Tradition. It’s a job based on the needs of a different time in the City’s history. The practice began in the 1930s when the Westin realized ladies’ white gloves were getting dirty from handling coins. Something had to be done, so the decision was made to clean up the coins. Today, even though the white gloves have disappeared, the clean coin custom continues.

Who doesn’t love a shiny penny?

Thanks Rob for taking the time to answer our We Wanna Be Friends With Q&A!

1.What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?

Outer Hayes Valley. Wouldn’t consider moving again.  I have easy access to any place in the city and most importantly AT&T Park via public transportation.

2. What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?

Sourdough bread with a big, crisp, Chicken Caesar Salad.

3.What's your perfect night on the town?

Baseball at AT&T Park with views of the Bay, ships, and the Port of Oakland.

4.When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time?

Ocean Beach - walking in the sand, hearing the waves and seagulls with lunch at The Beach Chalet.

5.What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?

Take the ferry to Sausalito, have a nice lunch on the water, take a stroll, and return with the afternoon sun on my face.

6. Quick-fire round:

Burrito or Burger?

Burger from BurgerMeister

Presidio or Golden Gate Park?

Presidio

BiRite or Mitchell's? 

BiRite – but for most things Haight Street Produce is just as good. Can’t beat the ice cream at BiRite.

Bike or MUNI?

MUNI – takes me to the ballpark in 15 minutes.

Fort Mason or Dolores Park?

Fort Mason

The Independent or the Fillmore?

Fillmore

Baker Beach or Ocean Beach?

Ocean Beach

7.Three words that describe your life in SF?

Baseball, Dining, and Friendship

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