|
Father-daughter act - Don Biggar and Debbie Ryf – the new owner of the Fin ‘n’ Feather. Ryf also paid tribute to the many wonderful staff members who work at the Fin. “They really are like extended family to us – some have been here 20 years. That’s not real common in this business. And, Winneconne is a wonderful community that I feel blessed to be part of – there are such good people here.” -News photo |
|
Fin ‘n’ Feather Is Handed Down a Generation
Debbie Ryf looks forward as owner of her dad’s dream
It’s the start of a brand new day, of sorts, at the Fin ‘n’ Feather in Winneconne. As of last week, Debbie Ryf officially took over ownership of the restaurant and banquet facility from her father, Don Biggar. “My dad just decided he was ready, I guess,” said Ryf as she shared some stories on the business.
The Fin ‘n’ Feather has been a family run business since Biggar bought it back in 1969 when Ryf was just 12. “Then it was just a bait shop and sandwich shop kind of place,” said Ryf. “We rented boats. I helped out at the sandwich counter as a kid.” Some of her earliest memories working at the Fin involve washing dishes, buttering toast and picking chicken – laughing as she shared that (hopefully it’s still funny in this print!).
After the Fin ‘n’ Feather suffered a fire in 1987, Biggar rebuilt and it was then that the banquet facility was added. Ryf got involved with some of that responsibility in addition to her work as a cook and a waitress. She gave up her work as a cook when managing the banquets became more to handle.
In more recent years, Ryf has maintained roles as hostess, doing payroll, and just general oversight of daily operations. “My dad still comes in and gets the coffee going every morning and talks with the guys when he’s here – he’s been very involved just not as visible.” Ryf went on to compliment her dad’s vision and business sense, “He had a vision of what he wanted this to be with the whole riverboat theme. He had unique, smart ideas that grew this business into what it is today. I feel lucky that my dad has put enough faith in me to carry on the dream he had.”
|
|
For more area news
subscribe to
 |
| |
|
Site Sponsored By
Winneconne Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 126 - Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4775
Having problems with
the Web Site?
Last Modified:
Thursday, September 24, 2009
All rights reserved Winneconne Area Chamber of
Commerce
|
|
|
