About Us

Rufus J. Ventura, Jr., known to his friends as “Nini” is a well-known restaurateur in Utica, NY. His devotion to his business has consumed his entire lifetime making Ventura’s Restaurant the success it is today. Beginning as a teenager helping out in the kitchen, he learned the business from the ground up.

Upon graduating from Thomas R. Proctor High School, he entered the family business on a full-time basis. He progressed to the position of restaurant manager when he was 20 years old.

Ventura’s Restaurant was founded in 1943 by his parents Rufus and Marie Ventura. Not only is it recognized for its tremendous cuisine, it has been a bastion for lovers of the New York Yankees since its opening. Many famous NY Yankees passed through the doors of Ventura’s on more than one occasion such as; Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, Bobby Mercer, “The Stick” Gene Michaels, Mike Torrez, Jimmy Key and many more sports legends.

Nini took over full operation in 1992. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to maintain the high standards of quality food, excellent service and comfortable atmosphere set by his parents. His main goal has always been customer satisfaction and he instills this into his children, Rufus J. III and daughter Nina who intend to carry on the traditions imposed on them. He is noted for saying “treat every customer that walks through that door like a member of your family, they are a guest in your home.”

Nini is a firm believer in giving back to the community that helped make his business a success. To honor his parents, in 2003 he brought back the famous Ventura Family Golf Classic started by his father in 1970 through 1975. The golf tournament has become an annual event with four successful years. Each year there are celebrities in attendance and the proceeds benefit different organizations such as CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy in memory of Christopher Donalty, a local young man who died from having a seizure. Also proceeds benefit the local Dollars for Scholars Fund in memory of Christine Madia as well as the local division of Upstate Cerebral Palsy and Pathfinder Village.

In addition to bringing back the Ventura Family Golf Classic, Nini began the recognition of individuals from the local community whose achievements reflected well on the Utica area by presenting the “Ventura Pride of Utica Award.” Recipients have included Anthony Filipelli an Olympic boxing referee, Richard Benedetto, a nationally recognized political correspondent for USA Today and Gannet News Service. Jeanne and Barry Donalty for their tireless efforts with CURE and Robert Esche, goalie for the Philadelphia Flyers, Olympian, and founder of the Save of the Day Foundation.

Rufus J. Ventura III is a well-known superb chef and part owner of Ventura’s Restaurant. He was born on January 18, 1975 the son of Rufus J. & Joy Ventura Jr. It was evident as early as he could walk that the restaurant business was in his blood.

Unlike his father, it was not the business end that peaked his interest, it was the kitchen and cooking the fascinated him. He would follow his grandmother all over watching, learning, and preparing himself to be the head chef in the future. As a teenager, Rufus would work in the restaurant as much as he could. He was happiest behind the line of the kitchen working side by side with his grandmother following her every move and memorizing each and every ingredient she sprinkled into each dish.

Upon graduating, he immediately wanted to enter the family business. He sought after his dream and became head chef and part owner of the restaurant. If you ask him the secret of his success, he will tell you “Its the love and pride I put into each dish.” His grandmother passed all her old world authentic recipes down to him, which he believes no school can teach. Rufus vowed to keep the memory of his grandparents alive not only through the restaurant itself, but through every dish served.

Like his father, Rufus thrives on pleasing every person that walks through the door. He is focused on consistency of every item he serves. He has worked tirelessly to maintain the high quality of food and tradition that was instilled in him as a young boy. His success is a combination of his background, inborn talent, and his genuine love for what he does.

Rufus and his beautiful wife Brittney have two sons, Rufus IV and Giordano.

Nina V. Leist is part owner of Ventura’s Restaurant in Utica, NY and founder of Ventura’s Pride, Inc. She was born on January 3, 1978 daughter of Rufus J. and Joy Ventura.

Nina attended Utica College of Syracuse University. While in college, she worked at the restaurant full time. Nina always says that the best learning experience comes from working in a restaurant. “What I’ve learned here over the years can never be taught from a book. It is a hands on education in business and life.” Upon graduation, there was no doubt that the restaurant business was what she wanted to do for her career. With over 25 years of experience, Nina now manages the day to day operations of Ventura’s.

In 2006, Rufus III and Nina decided to bottle Ventura’s famous marinara sauce, a family recipe dating back over 75 years. Nina formed Ventura’s Pride Inc. and under the watchful eye of her brother, the first batch of Ventura’s Restaurant Gourmet Marinara Sauce was produced by Nelson Farms. With her grandparent’s memory and her father’s wisdom as their guide, a great product was born.

Nina and her husband Alan have two wonderful children, son Alan IV and daughter Remy. In her spare time, Nina loves to volunteer at school, watch professional boxing and travel.