[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHEF'S RESTAURANT

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 90th 
anniversary of one of Buffalo's most beloved dining establishments, 
Chef's Restaurant.
   In 1923, Chef's Restaurant opened its doors on the corner of Seneca 
and Chicago, and soon established itself as a fixture in the 
neighborhood.
   During the restaurant's early years, a hard-working employee named 
Lou Billittier began to move his way up the ranks. Beginning as a 
dishwasher and busboy, Lou was promoted to a waiter. Eventually, he 
earned the title of restaurant manager.
   By 1950, Lou had become co-owner of Chef's. Four years later, he 
stood proudly as the sole owner of the neighborhood staple.
   For over 60 years, Chef's has stayed true to their motto, ``Where 
family and friends meet to eat.'' The late Lou Billittier, along with 
his daughter Mary Beth and son Louis John, have worked tirelessly to 
run their establishment according to the values of community 
involvement and customer service. The Billittiers believe in being 
involved in the restaurant's day-to-day process, and know that a 
personal touch goes a long way.
   Over the years, Chef's has mastered blending tradition and 
innovation. The restaurant began with just seven tables and a small 
banquet room. Three years ago, they implemented a drive-through window 
which enabled the restaurant's sales to increase. Now, the famous 
dining establishment is innovating again with their plans to create a 
food truck that will take Chef's notable Italian cuisine to the streets 
of Buffalo.
   In addition to their renowned restaurant, the Billittiers are known 
for their charity. Lou Billittier memorably had former Buffalo Sabre 
Rob Ray shave his head in front of a crowd of supporters for ``Bald for 
Bucks,'' a fundraiser for cancer research and patient support programs 
at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
   On September 11th, 2013, in honor of its 90th anniversary, the 
restaurant will play host to the ``World's Largest Pasta Dinner.'' 
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project which 
honors and empowers wounded U.S. troops and assists in making their 
post-service transition a smooth one.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to recognize Chef's Italian 
Restaurant for providing 90 years of dining and community service to 
Western New York, as well as the Billittier family for their continued 
hard work and generosity. As one of my personal favorites, I am proud 
to honor their legacy today, and I wish them the absolute best in all 
of their future endeavors.

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