The Beltline Bar was opened in 1953 by George Wilkinson. Beltline Bar was a fitting name considering 28th Street was commonly referred to by Grand Rapidians as "The Beltline." When Tony Rutkowski acquired the restaurant in 1964, the establishment only seated 42 people in a single 60' x 30' room. At this time, a total of 3 employees served beer, wine, popcorn & chili dogs, which were the house specialty. In 1966, a liquor license was acquired and Tony's son Jerry developed recipes for a number of Mexican specialties, including the WORLD FAMOUS WET BURRITO.
