Duane Roberts, co-owner and CEO of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, passed away in his sleep on Saturday at the age of 88.
His wife, Kelly Roberts, announced his passing on Facebook, expressing gratitude for their 35 years of marriage and the life they built together. She described him as a “visionary entrepreneur” and a loving family man.
Roberts played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Mission Inn, a historic landmark in Riverside. He purchased the inn in 1992, rescuing it from demolition, and led a $55 million renovation that restored its grandeur. His efforts not only saved the hotel but also sparked a revival of downtown Riverside. The Mission Inn is now a major tourist attraction, known for its annual Festival of Lights, which Roberts initiated and which has gained national recognition.
Cindy Roth, former president of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, credited Roberts with putting Riverside on the map through the Festival of Lights. Nicholas Adcock, the chamber’s current president, highlighted Roberts’ significant impact on the city’s renaissance and his philanthropic contributions to various organizations.
Roberts, a Riverside native, made his fortune by creating frozen burritos before investing in the Mission Inn. His legacy continues to influence the city, with the inn standing as a symbol of Riverside’s history and culture.
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