[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1058-E1059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING VERMONT'S WAYSIDE RESTAURANT ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETER WELCH

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2018

  Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Wayside 
Restaurant in Berlin, Vermont. This year marks the Wayside's 100th 
anniversary of serving up exceptional and affordable home-style food to 
customers from central Vermont and beyond.
  A century ago, founder Effie Ballou first started serving soups, 
snacks and meals out of a shack straddling the border between Berlin 
and Montpelier. She prepared the food at her small house just up the 
hill.
  Today, the Wayside--with a lot more seats than in 1918--is still 
serving up some of the

[[Page E1059]]

best home-cooked food around. Its website proudly and accurately 
proclaims, ``Yankee Cooking at its Best Since 1918.'' On the occasion 
of this important milestone, the restaurant joins an eclectic group of 
some 240 American restaurants that have achieved centennial status.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm warning you. Take just a glance at the Wayside's 
diverse menu and your mouth will water: old-fashioned country 
breakfast, chicken pie, country fried steak, meatloaf, casseroles, 
fresh muffins and home-made pies.
  But the Wayside is so much more than a good restaurant. For the 
thousands of Vermonters and visitors who walk through its doors every 
year, it provides comfort, fellowship and a sense of community rivaled 
by few. While dining on good food, customers catch up with friends and 
neighbors, trade gossip, and debate current events.
  Owners Brian and Karen Zecchinelli have been at the helm for over 20 
years. The restaurant has been in Karen's family for over 50 years. 
Their employees are familiar and friendly faces. Many have been on the 
job for ten years or more. And in a tribute to their good service, the 
aprons of retired employees hang proudly in the rafters.
  The Wayside Restaurant has been part of the fabric of Vermont for 100 
years. It is a shining example of a small business committed to good 
service, quality products, and socially responsible operations. I urge 
all Members of the House of Representatives to stop by the Wayside if 
you find yourself navigating the hills of central Vermont. But be 
careful--you won't want to leave.

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