April 19, 2013 at 5:04 p.m.
The Rhinelander Cafe & Pub embraces the community while maintaining history
The Rhinelander Cafe & Pub embraces the community while maintaining history
Over the Pub's 102 years in business, one important aspect of the restaurant has remained constant - the high quality of the products and services.
"One thing that we haven't changed, and a lot of restaurants have changed through the years, is the quality of products," said Brooke Johnson, general manager and kitchen manager at the Cafe & Pub. "We are still buying the best quality product. We are still buying the best choice of meats that money can buy, and still keeping it at a reasonable price for our customers."
Johnson, who has worked at the Pub since Gutterer became the new owner, takes pride in the high quality service the restaurant provides.
"We've got the best quality, the best training, the best chefs," said Johnson. "We don't mess around here."
Johnson said a few changes and additions have been made to the menu, and Gutterer has done some remodeling, but the tradition of the Pub remains. Changes, however, don't always need to be of the physical nature. Johnson said that where Gutterer has really stepped in and made an impact is with his community involvement.
"Mark's very involved in the community, and downtown especially," said Johnson.
This winter, Gutterer became president of Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. This has allowed him to continue to promote and support downtown Rhinelander, both as the president of DRI and as the owner of the Pub.
"We are always trying to get involved with anything in the community," said Johnson.
The Rhinelander Cafe & Pub has been very involved with the Rhinelander Chamber events, and will be a part of the upcoming Hodag Hops and Vines event as well as the Rhinelander Girlfriends Getaway. The Pub is always involved in downtown Rhinelander events, such as Taste of Chocolate and Halloween. Additionally, the Pub holds events such as the Mardi Gras Party that supports the Rhinelander High School Jazz Band and takes an active role in supporting local sports teams. As Johnson said, "We try to keep everyone's spirits up."
Gutterer's enthusiasm for the Rhinelander community also extends to the treatment of his employees. The Pub has over 65 employees, and Johnson said Gutterer's personality and experience make him a wonderful person to work for.
"He's an excellent mentor and community member," said Johnson. "He offers competitive wages for our community, and lets people have a better livelihood and life. There is so much opportunity here for anybody that wants to succeed. He's definitely about sharing."
Johnson, a "hometown girl" in her own right, has also embraced the community and recognized her background. A graduate of the Nicolet College Culinary Arts Program, Johnson stays in contact with the college, and every year, the Pub gives back to Nicolet by hosting a tour of its facilities for students in the Nicolet Culinary Arts Management Class.
While maintaining the history of the Pub is important to Gutterer, Johnson said he will still look to add his own "flair" to the restaurant.
This summer, the Pub will be testing out some new products to look into developing potential new menu items down the road.
"Partially, it's just to give everybody some new flavors and new ideas," said Johnson.
Additionally, the Pub's catering business continues to grow, and the restaurant caters in-house, out-of-house, and are contracted with the Quality Inn.
Overall, the Pub's message is simple. They have maintained the tradition of the historic restaurant while continuing to provide high quality service at affordable prices. By embracing the community, Gutterer has given back to the individuals who do business in his restaurant.
"He really, really cares about Rhinelander a whole lot, and he's taken it under his wing and made it his hometown, too," said Johnson.
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