One family has chartered the course of success at Mariner’s Inn for 40 years: the von Rutenbergs. And it is just one chapter in a tale that dates back to 1961 when college sweethearts and recent UW grads Bill and Betty von Rutenberg purchased the eight-stool Nibble Nook hamburger joint just off the Square.

A few months after selling the Nibble Nook in 1966, the couple purchased Jack Burke’s Supper Club on Lake Mendota and transformed it into a nautical waterfront restaurant. It was a family affair as their three sons grew up working in the business mopping floors, hauling ice, cleaning the parking lot, washing dishes, and bussing tables until they entered college. Forty years and eight expansions later, brothers Bill, Jack, and Robert—von Rutenberg Ventures—are keeping the family business alive and well as one of Madison’s local landmark restaurants.

For Jack, it was a way of life that became contagious. “We grew up with our parents having a lifestyle rather than a job,” he said. “You don’t turn the hospitality business off by heading home from work at 5:00 p.m., you live the lifestyle.”

Jack spent time away from the restaurant developing other interests, but a feeling in his gut led him back. After a year of medical school at the UW, he realized his heart was in the hospitality industry and he returned to the family business he loves. “The key is to make sure that this ever-present and consuming profession stays in balance with other areas in your life like your family, friends, and faith,” he said.

Jack isn’t the only one in the family hooked on hospitality; his brother Bill went into the business after grad¬uating from the UW with a business administration degree. And after 16 years of acting and working in the textile business in Chicago and New York, Robert returned too.

Today their focus is on the experience their rich history has created: one that represents quality, uniqueness, and personal touch. “Our customers do not just represent sales dollars, and we do not want them to walk through our doors just once; we want each and every one to become a customer for life,” says Jack.

As with any milestone anniversary, celebrating 40 years at Mariner’s includes trips down memory lane through stories that the brothers exchange with their customers, many of them about their parents Betty and Bill. Even their new menu format features fun and historical snapshots of the family and the building.

Sunset views are breathtaking from all of the dining rooms as well as from the waterfront lawn. And if you choose to arrive for dinner by boat, Mariner’s has slips for parking. If your voyage includes a stop at the bar, you’ll find a complete line of custom Martinis. If you’re a wine aficionado, you may know that Mariner’s wine list has been a multi-year winner of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. Within this superb wine selection, you’ll also find great wine values. Their philosophy is to offer quality wines at affordable prices.

A wide variety of delectable dishes are created in Mariner’s galley. BothExecutive Chef Eric Leibering and Sous Chef Shawn Bortz joined the crew last summer. Eric came from North Carolina where he was the Executive Chef at a restaurant rated four stars by AAA, while Shawn has over 20 years experience from another outstanding Madison restaurant.

Specialties include Canadian Lobster Tails stuffed with shrimp and blue crab meat; Diablo Shrimp (Cajun dusted and served with Mediterranean salsa) and Legendary Hash Browns, served exclusively at Mariner’s. Their secret recipe, created by Betty Lou, is based on the hash browns originally served at Jack Burke’s.

A variety of steaks offered include the Chef’s Tenderloin, a bacon wrapped tenderloin served on a pool of mushroom ragout, finished with house-made whiskey peppercorn sauce. There are several surf and turf combinations from which to choose, as well as Stuffed Spinach Portobello, Friday seafood specials, and World Famous Clam Chowder.

A few menu items bear Mom’s name: Chicken Betty Lou (chicken breast stuffed with wild rice andPortobello, shitake, and button mush¬rooms glazed with a delicate chardonnay cream sauce); and Betty Lou Au Gratin Potatoes. If you have room after dinner, try Betty’s Cheesecake with Door County Cherry sauce, or the Bailey’s Harbor ice cream drink.

After years of operating Mariner’s, the von Rutenbergs saw the need for more casual dining on Lake Mendota so they opened Nau-Ti-Gal in 1982. Nau-Ti-Gal was voted “Best Brunch in Madison” by the MadisonMagazine Readers Poll. That same year they opened Westport Marine, offer¬ing in-water and on-hoist boat slips at both Mariner’s and Nau-Ti-Gal.

Captain Bill’s (formerly the Hatch Cover) opened in 1993 and offers moderately priced seafood, steak, chicken, and pasta dishes. The view of Lake Mendota off the outdoor deck enhances the dining experience.

In 1998 von Rutenberg Ventures created Betty Lou Cruises, named in honor of the late Betty Lou. The fleet of motor yachts hosts private group charters for 20-100 guests as well as public cruises for individuals and small groups. Brunch, lunch, appetizer, dinner, and moonlight cruises sail from April to October and depart from Mariner’s Inn. A unique perspective is offered of Madison’s skyline, including the State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Monona Terrace, University of Wisconsin campus, miles of scenic natural shoreline, Governor Nelson State Park, and dramatic lakefront estates.

Their waterfront location makes Mariner’s Inn an ideal spot for business meetings, retreats, corporate events, wedding ceremonies/receptions, and reunions. The combined space of the restaurant, private dining rooms, and outside areas can accommodate a total of up to 200 persons for an evening event or up to 400 persons for daytime events. Events at Mariner’s combined with BettyLou Cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

You can’t take the wind out of their sails—Bill, Jack, and Robert are anchored to continue the tradition, lifestyle, and adventure of their family’s waterfront hospitality. As Betty always said, “We’ll put sunshine in your smile and spring in your heart!”

Mariner’s Inn is located at 5339 Light¬house Bay Drive. You may call them at (608) 246-3120 or visit their website www.bettyloucruises.com.