[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       RECOGNIZING RUSSELL J. SALVATORE AS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Russell J. 
Salvatore as the Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives' choice 
for their 2012 Executive of the Year. Russ is a talented businessman, 
food service visionary and generous philanthropist, who is truly 
inspired by his love of the people of Western New York.
   From an early age, Russ saw the great potential for service through 
entrepreneurship through his father, Joseph Salvatore. Joseph owned 
Salvatore's Restaurant, a family eatery on Buffalo's East Side. Growing 
up his father's restaurant, Russ developed a passion for service, 
tireless work ethic, and an appreciation for the value of a warm meal.
   Joseph passed the family business down to Russ and his brother in 
1967. Shortly after, Russ pursued his own endeavors, purchasing a small 
hot dog stand on Transit Road and transforming it into Salvatore's 
Italian Gardens. For nearly forty years, Russ lived and breathed 
Salvatore's. His tireless work turned Salvatore's Italian Gardens into 
a renowned restaurant and banquet center, winner of countless awards 
and national recognition. By 1995, Salvatore's had become a destination 
in its own right, allowing Russ to open an attached hotel, Salvatore's 
Garden Palace. Russ truly enjoyed every aspect of his daily work, and 
although he signed over the business to his son Joseph in 2003, he 
remained closely involved until 2006, when he chose to retire.
   Russ's passion for serving Western New York drew him out of 
retirement before long. He returned to work at age 75, opening 
Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More, in November 2008. Russell's quickly 
became one of our region's most prominent steakhouses. The month after, 
Russ opened Salvatore's Grand Hotel next to his new restaurant, 
creating another successful combination of a well-regarded hotel and 
fine dining establishment.
   Russ's philanthropic efforts are as renowned as his business 
endeavors. He is a public supporter of countless charities, events, 
scholarships, and causes. To encourage students pursuing careers in 
food service and hospitality, he formed a partnership with Trocaire 
College to found the Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality and 
Business. Situated on a satellite campus next to his new steakhouse, 
students at the school gain concrete experience through internships at 
Russell's Steaks, Chops and More, and Salvatore's Grand Hotel.
   In the wake of one of our region's most tragic days, Russ stepped in 
to aid heartbroken local families. On February 12, 2009, a passenger 
plane known as Flight 3407 crashed to the ground in Clarence Center, 
New York, killing all on board. To honor the fifty victims, Russ helped 
secure a memorial in Heroes and Patriots Park.
   Perhaps one of Russ's most well-known gestures is his purchase of 
10,000 Buffalo Bills tickets, which prevented a ``black-out'' of a home 
game in December 2012. Russ's investment allowed one of the season's 
last games to be broadcast on local television. He donated nearly all 
10,000 tickets to local organizations, patrons of his restaurant, and 
community members, to show his deep gratitude to the people of Western 
New York.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to recognize 
Mr. Russell Salvatore's great contributions and admirable generosity. 
Buffalo is nicknamed the ``City of Good Neighbors,'' and Russ 
epitomizes this spirit. I congratulate him on the incredible honor of 
being named Executive of the Year, and I wish him continued fulfillment 
and the absolute best in all of his future endeavors.

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