[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUNSET RESTAURANT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2003

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 30th 
anniversary of the establishment of the Sunset Restaurant on Sunset 
Boulevard in West Columbia, SC. This small business has become a living 
legend of fine food and a valued social center for the Midlands of 
South Carolina.
  The stalwarts of this spirited enterprise are the owner Betty Jackson 
and the manager Gladys Crews, who since opening day have 
enthusiastically welcomed and served the public with quality country 
cooking including the specialty of catfish stew. At breakfast and 
lunchtime the 250 seats of the restaurant are filled with a cross-
section of citizens ranging from U.S. District Judges to work crews on 
their way to the building site.
  Well-known as a people's place, political candidates of all parties 
have made a sausage biscuit breakfast or an open-seated luncheon a 
``must stop.'' In June 1999, Texas Governor George W. Bush launched his 
successful effort to carry the South Carolina primary at the Sunset and 
in November 2002 the Sunset hosted the final public reception for U.S. 
Senator Lindsey Graham and Gov. Mark Sanford. Other memorable events 
for South Carolina officials with some broadcast live by television and 
radio, were held for Congressman Ed Young, Congressman Floyd Spence, 
Lt. Governor Bob Peeler, Attorney General Charlie Condon, Gov. Jim 
Edwards, Gov. Carroll Campbell, and Gov. David Beasley.
  The Sunset Restaurant is a testimonial to the significance of small 
business as the backbone and foundation of the American free enterprise 
system built upon the philosophy of hard work and high integrity, 
promoted by limited government.