[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING A TOLEDO TRADITION

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2015

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a landmark 
business in Toledo, Ohio. Red Wells Roast Beef restaurant closed its 
doors this month after nearly 100 years of serving its traditional hot 
roast beef sandwich. As he retires, owner Richard Wells does not wish 
to sell the restaurant and its homemade offerings.
  Legendary in West Toledo, Red Wells officially began in 1894 when 
Allen and Eva Wells served food in their hotels, boarding houses and 
saloons. After he returned from service in World War 1, their son Clark 
Wells--nicknamed ``Red''--partnered with his father to open up a 
restaurant serving signature hot roast beef sandwiches. The restaurant 
grew quickly and in 1930 the family opened up two restaurants in 
downtown Toledo, one of which was the first restaurant in the city to 
be electrified. Richard Wells started in the family business in 1946. 
He persuaded the family to open up its current location on Sylvania 
Avenue in West Toledo in 1957.
  The business continued to do well offering a menu of items first 
cooked by Eva Wells: in addition to the most luscious hot roast beef 
sandwiches anywhere in the world, the restaurant also served such 
comfort food as mashed potatoes and Red Wells' famous gravy, a hot 
turkey sandwich, green beans, corn, pies and pudding. Richard Wells 
also grew the business to other locations, but it was the Sylvania 
Avenue restaurant that was the business' mainstay.
  A gathering place for friends and family, both the regular and 
occasional diners of Red Wells will surely miss its homey cafeteria 
atmosphere, friendly staff and hearty food. Just as the restaurant was 
generational, so too were the diners. Patrons passed their love of Red 
Wells down through their children. On its last day there were so many 
people the restaurant could not serve them all.
  As Richard Wells eases into retirement, we wish him much enjoyment 
spending time doing what he wishes and being with those for whom he 
cares. May he know that the legend that became Red Wells Roast Beef 
restaurant will live on in Toledo memory.

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