Senate Resolution No. 297

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Ventura's Restaurant upon the occasion
of celebrating its 75th Anniversary

WHEREAS, Within each community of this great State of New York there
are certain businesses that define the nature of the region and the
people who inhabit it; and

WHEREAS, Such is true of Ventura's Restaurant, located at 787
Lansing Street, in the city of Utica, New York, which has provided
nourishment and employment for residents in Oneida County for 75
prosperous years; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Ventura's
Restaurant upon the occasion of its 75th Anniversary celebrated at a
party in December of 2018; and

WHEREAS, For 75 years, Ventura's Restaurant has provided its
customers with their delicious food which is rich in flavor and family
history; people from miles away come to this fine eatery just to taste
its traditional marinara sauce; and

WHEREAS, In 1943, Marie Ventura and her husband Rufus J. Ventura
founded Ventura's Restaurant in Utica; she cooked with all her love and
old-world secrets passing them down to her son, Rufus, Jr. known as
"Nini," and now her grandchildren, Rufus, III and Nina who continue that
fine tradition; and

WHEREAS, Not only is Ventura's recognized for its tremendous
cuisine, it has been a bastion for lovers of the New York Yankees since
its opening; many famous Yankees have passed through the doors of the
restaurant on more than one occasion including Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra,
Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, Bobby Murcer, "The Stick" Gene Michaels, Mike
Torrez, Jimmy Key and many more sports legends; and

WHEREAS, For 75 fruitful years and through three generations,
Ventura's Restaurant have brought an uncommon sense of quality and
spirit to the community, providing Utica and Oneida County not only with
impeccable service and tantalizing food, but also with good
old-fashioned memories to enjoy; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting that this Legislative Body recognize local
businesses such as Ventura's Restaurant which have become institutions
in the community, as well as the successful entrepreneurs who have
nurtured them throughout the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ventura's Restaurant upon the occasion of celebrating its 75th
Anniversary, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the same
sparkling success and indomitable spirit which has so characterized its
past; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nina J. Ventura, Rufus J. Ventura, Jr. and Rufus J.
Ventura, III, Owners, Ventura's Restaurant.