Not just anyone can become "The Host to Most of New Jersey." In order to earn that title, you need to be a master of hospitality, a brilliant entrepreneur, a pillar of the community, the life of the party and a very special man. In other words, you need to be G.K. Gerard "Rod' Keller, also known as G.K., opened the original "Rod's" in West Orange in 1936 with just $500, as America was shaking itself loose from the Great Depression. He sold nickel beer and his legendary sliced tenderloin for 75 cents. Of course, the food was delicious, with generous portions always cooked to perfection. But what kept people coming back was the hospitality of G.K. himself.