[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 117 (Monday, July 10, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2283-S2284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING NORTHWESTERN STEAKHOUSE

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Northwestern Steakhouse of Mason City, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  Greek immigrants Pete Maduras and Tony Papouchis founded the 
restaurant in 1920 under the name ``Pete's Place.'' The original 
location was in the Northwestern Row neighborhood of Mason City. During 
the early 20th century, Mason City was experiencing an increase in 
business development due to the opening of the Northwestern State 
Portland Cement Plant in 1906 and the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in 
1910. Many of the workers moving to Mason City were European immigrants 
like Pete and Tony. During the early history of the restaurant, Pete 
handled the business side, while Tony was the head chef. Tony spent 3 
years in the Greek Army and used the recipes he learned from his 
service to inspire the menu. Pete's Place moved to its second location 
on North Federal Avenue in

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1932, before moving again to the current location on 16th Street NW in 
1954.
  In 1965, Pete retired, and the restaurant was rebranded to 
Northwestern Steakhouse. Tony planted a garden next to the restaurant, 
where he used fresh produce in his meals, including his famous fresh 
salads. On Sundays, Tony offered a special menu that paid homage to his 
Greek roots. Tony worked at the restaurant every day until his passing 
at 98 years old in 1991. Today, Tony's son Bill Papouchis runs the 
restaurant with his wife Ann. Bill and Ann continue to honor Tony's 
legacy by using the recipes he created and keeping the menu consistent 
with Tony's vision.
  The Northwestern Steakhouse team is well-recognized for their hard 
work. In 2019, Business Insider listed them as the Iowa winner of ``The 
most famous restaurant in every state'' article. Additionally, online 
food, drink, and travel publication Thrillist recognized them in ``The 
Most Iconic Restaurant in Every State'' article. In 2020, while 
celebrating its 100th anniversary, Northwestern Steakhouse won the 
``Business of the Year Award'' from the Mason City Chamber of Commerce. 
The same year, Mason City mayor Bill Schickel awarded the restaurant 
the key to the city. Northwestern Steakhouse also gives back to the 
community. In March 2021, they hosted their first ``Wonderful 
Wednesday,'' which raised over $1,000 for Habitat for Humanity of North 
Central Iowa.
  Northwestern Steakhouse's commitment to providing quality food and 
dining in North Central Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate the 
Papouchis family and the entire team at Northwestern Steakhouse for 
their continued dedication to providing an iconic culinary experience 
to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success 
in Iowa.

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