[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 137 (Tuesday, August 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF KRUTA'S BAKERY

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2019

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary 
of Kruta's Bakery, a family-run business that has become an iconic 
institution in my hometown of Collinsville, IL.
  In 1919, Russian immigrant Frank Kruta, Sr., saw an opportunity 
around the expanding meat-packing industry in East St. Louis, IL, and 
started a bakery on 8th Street in the city. Numerous fellow natives of 
eastern Europe flocked to the business, and it grew, as did Frank's 
family, many of whom would work at the bakery. Frank Kruta, Jr., 
eventually took over from his father, then was succeeded by his son, 
Jim.
  Kruta's Bakery relocated a few miles east to Collinsville in 1974. It 
has come to be known for its signature Stollen pastries, breads, Danish 
rolls, and cakes for special occasions, such as marriages, baptisms, 
confirmations, and birthdays. I just enjoyed one of its cakes in honor 
of my father's 91st birthday and my nephew's return from overseas 
military service.
  A number of recipes brought from eastern Europe by Frank Kruta, Sr., 
are still used to this day by the bakery, now under a fourth generation 
of the family, led by Paul Kruta, son of Jim and his wife, Mary. 
Although technically retired, Jim still joins Mary in helping out Paul 
and the many other family members and employees who are involved in the 
still-thriving business.
  In honor of Kruta's 100-year milestone, the city of Collinsville 
closed St. Louis Road in front of the bakery on August 18 for a 
celebration, which included music, artists, magicians, and--of course--
free bakery items. Money was raised for the American Warrior 
Initiative.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to congratulate Kruta's Bakery for a 
century of excellence, and I send my best wishes for another 100 years 
or more.

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