[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AVANTI'S RISTORANTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Avanti's 
Ristorante of Peoria, Illinois for celebrating their 50th anniversary.
  Avanti's Ristorante first opened their doors in 1966. Founder and CEO 
Albert Zeller, by embracing the American entrepreneurial spirit, 
successfully expanded his business and now employs nearly 500 people 
and currently operates five Avanti's Ristorantes in the Greater Peoria 
area.
  Avanti's Ristorante is known throughout Central Illinois for their 
famous Italian cuisine, from their pastas to pizzas and, most notably, 
the beloved Gondola sandwich. Zeller's famously delicious creation, the 
Gondola, a submarine-like sandwich, features freshly baked sweet bread 
only found in his restaurants. No party in Peoria is complete without a 
platter of Gondolas.
  The Greater Peoria area has benefitted from Avanti's corporate 
goodwill and generosity. I extend my sincere congratulations to 
Avanti's Ristorante, Albert Zeller, and staff and I hope Avanti's keeps 
fulfilling the appetites of Central Illinoisans for another fifty 
years.

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