In 1800, Luka Zenovich was born in Krstac, Montenegro—a rugged land of towering peaks and deep valleys. Known for his sharp wit and unbreakable will, Luka left Montenegro as a young man, drawn to the opportunities of the New World. He traveled through bustling port cities and unforgiving deserts, finally settling in Virginia City, Nevada. By 1863, he had a stake in the Guadalupe vein silver mine and ran a lively bar just steps from the courthouse. Miners, lawmen, and prospectors crowded into his bar each evening, seeking respite from the grueling work of mining. Luka’s knack for connecting with people helped him gain influence, and he found his bar to be as much a place of business as of friendship.

When he sold his mine and bar in 1863, Luka moved to San Francisco with his three sons—Philip, Marko, and Peter—seeking new horizons. In the city by the bay, he became a founding figure of the Orthodox community. As president of the Greek, Russian, Slavonian Benevolent Society in 1867, he brought together Serbs, Greeks, and Russians, fostering a spirit of Orthodox unity. Together, they celebrated shared traditions, forging a strong, supportive network.

Luka’s entrepreneurial spirit led him into the wine and liquor business. By 1877, he owned a building on San Francisco’s Post Street, where he cultivated a reputation for fine spirits and warm hospitality. But Luka’s love for adventure extended beyond business; he was known to dabble in poker, never shying away from a risky hand. In one of his infamous games, Luka wagered his entire Post Street building—and lost. Although he walked away without his property, he wasn’t deterred. Instead, he laughed it off as just another twist in his journey, and he continued to make his mark on the city’s business landscape. When Luka passed away in 1895, he was buried at the Serbian Cemetery in Colma, leaving a legacy of daring and generosity that his children would carry forward.

Luka’s eldest son, Philip Zenovich, born in 1825, inherited his father’s work ethic and passion for family. He married Invanica Rajenovich, and together they had four children: Sam, Marko, Eva, and Stana. Each would contribute in unique ways to the family’s expanding legacy in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, a newcomer named Spiro (Spirodone) Dragomanovich arrived in the city. Spiro, a hard-working man with his own soda works and a sturdy wagon, fell in love with Luka’s daughter, Eva Zenovich. They married and became my grandparents, cementing the connection between the Zenovich and Dragomanovich families. Spiro and Eva had a son, Jack (Jovo) Dragomanovich, my father, who would grow up in the heart of San Francisco.

In 1906, San Francisco was rocked by a devastating earthquake and subsequent fires. Buildings crumbled, and chaos filled the streets. Spiro, with his wagon, was quick to act. The Zenovich brothers, who owned a bar at 10 Maiden Lane, knew their prized possession—a nude painting of a woman that hung behind the bar—had to be saved. With the fires closing in, they loaded the painting onto the back of Spiro’s wagon, and the family fled towards Golden Gate Park.

As they made their way to safety, strangers along the route couldn’t help but comment on the peculiar sight of the nude painting swinging on the back of the wagon. The image became a symbol of resilience for the Zenovich and Dragomanovich families, sparking laughter even in the midst of disaster. They reunited at the park, safe and relieved, with the painting intact as a testament to their escape. 

In 1922, Sam Zenovich, my father’s uncle, purchased Moraghan’s restaurant, turning it into the renowned Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant. Known for its lively atmosphere and delectable seafood, Sam’s Grill quickly became a favorite spot for ring and race fans, hosting boxing champions like John L. Sullivan, James J. Corbett, and Jack Dempsey. It was a place where hard work and camaraderie ruled, echoing the values that Luka had instilled in the family. Eventually moved to Bush Street, Sam’s Grill is still open today, a testament to the family’s deep roots in San Francisco. (samsgrill-sf.com/history/)

My father, Jack (Jovo) Dragomanovich, was born in 1909 and spent his youth in the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco. He met my mother at the Edison Social Club in Fresno, and they married, adding another chapter to the family’s legacy when I was born. Jack went on to serve in World War II, traveling to New Guinea, where his resilience and dedication were put to the test.

The Zenovich-Dragomanovich family’s spirit of enterprise and hard work continued with me. In 1990, I founded Mission Laundry Equipment, an endeavor built on the principles of resilience and tenacity passed down from my ancestors. Today, the family legacy carries on with my middle son, who has joined me as a partner. Together, we’ve built Mission Laundry Equipment into a thriving business that supports our family, standing as a modern chapter in the Zenovich-Dragomanovich story.

The Zenovich-Dragomanovich family history is one of grit, innovation, and unforgettable tales that live on through my family’s endeavors. From Montenegro to Nevada, San Francisco, and beyond, this legacy reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that defines each generation.

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