May 2016
Issue 165 (05.19.16)
Featured Partner: Sardine
Sardine was founded by Chicago-area friends John Gadau and Phillip Hurley, who decided that a move to Madison would be the best way to bring to life their vision: restaurants that feature thoughtfully crafted flavors, combined with a sense of place and classic tradition.
Gadau and Hurley got started in 2000 with Marigold Kitchen, which has most certainly become a tradition for finding locally-grown, flavorful brunch and lunch in Madison. But it was in 2006 when a space opened up in the historic Machinery Row that their vision for creating restaurants with a sense of place was ultimately realized—and they opened Sardine on the sparkling shores of Lake Monona.
As Sardine celebrates a decade of being in the bistro and bar business, the management team has been reflecting on the impact of that decision. “John and Philip couldn’t have picked a more beautiful location,” says Susan Schueller, General Manager of Sardine. “Being situated on Madison’s isthmus—lakeside—continues to be a draw for residents and visitors alike.” Sardine is renowned for its Oyster Happy Hour, now taking place EVERY day of the week from 4-6 p.m. But it’s the full dinner and brunch menu that gets visitors excited about coming to town. “From hosting families for graduation celebrations to those who travel to Madison specifically for our amazing and ever growing food culture, every day is a chance to greet out of town guests and hear their stories,” says Schueller. “Our partnership with the GMCVB has really helped Sardine reach a more regional audience. Together, we’ve earned a lot of repeat visitors as a result.”
Sardine is located at 617 Williamson Street and is open every day of the week for bar, dinner and weekend offerings. See here for hours. If you’d like to see your business highlighted as a Featured Partner in future issues of Business Builder Monthly, simply fill out our online form.

Estrellón
313 W. Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53703
608.251.2111

Fat City Emporium
402 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
608.422.5128

Madison Science Museum
211 N. Carroll Street, 6th Floor
Madison, WI 53703
608.216.5496

MECIC: Madison English and Community Immersion Center
Madison Area
Madison, WI 53714
608.620.3351

Otto’s Restaurant & Bar
6405 Mineral Point Road
Madison, WI 53705
608.274.4044

Sujeo
10 N. Livingston Street
Madison, WI 53703
608.630.9400
Congratulations to these GMCVB partners, celebrating significant milestones:

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott—Madison West is celebrating 20 years of welcoming visitors to our destination with outstanding service and exceptional value. This recently renovated property offers guests a luxurious lobby, complimentary hot breakfast buffet and an indoor pool.

Graduate Madison is celebrating one year in the heart of State Street and the UW-Madison campus. This property features a lobby lounge that is bustling with students and guests, and includes Portage Pi and The Madison Blind restaurants, both of which serve up classic Wisconsin dishes.

The Norwegian Heritage Center is also celebrating its one-year anniversary. This museum features everything from artifacts to interactive maps that tell the Norwegian immigration story. Visit them in nearby Stoughton to see their award-winning, exciting exhibits for yourself!
Partners in the Press
We love to celebrate when we see our partners in the press! Check out these recent articles highlighting how successful our partners are at making our destination so desirable:
#22 in America's Favorite Cities, Travel + Leisure, May 2016
Partners mentioned: Fromagination, High Noon Saloon, UW-Madison
Tourism Takeover, May 2016
WKOW and Channel 3000
Partners mentioned: HotelRED, Ian’s Pizza
Most Underrated Music Cities in America, Thrillist, April 2016
Partners mentioned: High Noon Saloon, Orpheum Theater, Isthmus Jazz Festival
Made in Madison: Flavors only found in Wisconsin’s Capital, USA Today Travel, May 2016
Partners mentioned: Ale Asylum, Dane County Farmers' Market, Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, Fromagination, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, Graze, Heritage Tavern, Ian’s Pizza, Marigold Kitchen, The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant, UW-Madison, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (Concerts on the Square), Wisconsin State Capitol
Click here to view more of our recent press.