H and H Coffee

Dedicated to the history of the Hoffmann-Hayman Coffee Co. founded 1899 in San Antonio, Texas.

Short biography of Gustav P. Menger (“Gus”) — Wilhelmina Menger Hoffmann’s brother, secretary at the 1912 Hoffmann-Hayman merger, president from Hayman’s 1920 exit through decades of plant expansion, and signatory (as G. P. Menger) on the 1972 Delaware Street warehouse sale. Grounded in material on this site and in events.yml on the History timeline.

Who he was

Gustav P. Menger anchored Menger leadership at Hoffmann-Hayman after the merged firm left W. E. Hayman’s presidency. In October 1912 the timeline cites the San Antonio Light: Hayman president; Mrs. Hoffmann (Minnie Menger) vice president; Gus P. Menger secretary (History, 1912 entry). From January 1920, when Hayman sold his interest to the Mengers, G. P. Menger became president; R. W. Menger, secretary–treasurer; Mrs. William J. Schlosser (Minnie Menger Hoffmann) remained vice president (History, 1920 entry).

Press from the 1920s–1950s routinely describes him as a hands-on salesman-president—e.g. the 26 August 1923 San Antonio Light piece headed GUS R. MENGER, President, quoting coworkers that he was “A president that sells” and that he “roasts the products you praise” (profile). 1932 factory announcements and 1934 anniversary copy list G. P. Menger as president beside Mrs. William J. Schlosser, R. W. Menger, and T. J. Menger (e.g. plant modern throughout, 30 successful years).

He was still president when August 1972 deed records place G. P. Menger executing the sale of the Hoffmann-Hayman Warehouse Co. property at 601 Delaware to Kenneth L. Wagner (History, 1972 sale entry).

Life dates and family

His parents were Dr. Rudolph Menger and Catherine Menger (hotel family context on History and People). Siblings on this site include Wilhelmina, Rudolph W., T. J., L. B., and A. G. Menger (officers and letterhead). His son Albert Menger appears with him in a c. 1948 plant cupping photograph (UTSA / Light collection).

Birth and death dates are not yet filed on the public timeline; add them to events.yml when primary sources are pinned.

Company timeline (officer arc)

  • 1912 — Secretary at formation of Hoffmann-Hayman with Hayman as president (timeline).
  • 1920 — President after Hayman’s sale to the Mengers; R. W. Menger secretary–treasurer (timeline).
  • 1932–1934 — Still president in Delaware Street factory and thirtieth-anniversary coverage (plant article, 1934 feature).
  • 1972 — G. P. Menger signs the 601 Delaware warehouse sale (timeline).

Visual and printed legacy on this site

How we cite him

  • Formal documents and letterhead: G. P. Menger or Gustav P. Menger.
  • 1923 Light uses Gus R. Menger in the headline — quote that form when citing that clip; do not silently “correct” it to Gustav unless harmonizing in narrative after first mention.
  • He was not the founder of the 1899 house; period anniversary copy sometimes compresses decades—prefer William Robert Hoffmann for founder-era facts unless quoting verbatim.

See also