[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E621-E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE HONORING THE WINERY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two of Grand 
Junction's leading restaurateurs and an outstanding dining 
establishment. After 28 years, Winery owner Frank Bering is retiring 
from the business, turning over the reins to Chris Blackburn who 
recently purchased this long-time staple of Main Street eateries. I 
would now like to pay tribute to both of these outstanding individuals 
and a wonderful restaurant known throughout western Colorado--The 
Winery.
  Frank founded The Winery 28 years ago after he moved to the Western 
Slope from Chicago. Frank decided Grand Junction needed a good 
restaurant after he ordered a glass of red wine, which was served 
chilled instead of room temperature. With the help of Grand Junction 
residents, Frank opened The Winery. ``I'm bittersweet about it, but I'm 
going on to a new life,'' Frank said in a recent Grand Junction Daily 
Sentinel story about leaving the business.
  Frank's restaurant did very well, thanks both to great food and the 
oil and uranium boom of the late 70's and early 80's. It was then that 
Frank decided to open up G.B. Gladstone's, and managed to keep it going 
through the economic bust of the 80's. My good friend Chris Blackburn, 
who recently bought Gladstone's as well, views Frank as a pioneer who 
saw potential where no one else did. According to John Moss, another 
restaurant owner and personal friend of mine, Frank did more

[[Page E622]]

than build a reputation and make a living--he changed the culture and 
the community of Grand Junction.
  Mr. Speaker, both Frank and Chris deserve the thanks and 
commendations of this body. As Frank moves on to new pursuits, we say 
thank you for your hard work and service. As Chris takes the helm at 
one of Grand Junction's best known restaurants, we say best wishes for 
continued success.