[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING KOUNTRY KITCHEN SOUL FOOD PLACE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2023

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I rise in celebration of 
the grand reopening of Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place, a beloved 
Indianapolis establishment specializing in southern-style soul food.
  Located in Indiana's 7th Congressional District, Kountry Kitchen was 
established in 1988 by Ms. Jessie White to bring her southern-style 
home cooking to the neighborhood, under the name Jessie's Place. Ms. 
Jessie's daughter, Nell Wilson, later joined to grow the family 
business and introduce her own recipes. Nell and her husband, Isaac, 
renamed the diner to Country Kitchen. After Nell's passing, Isaac 
remarried, and with his wife Cynthia, they renamed the business Kountry 
Kitchen. Isaac and Cynthia continue to honor this legacy by serving the 
recipes passed down to them by Ms. Jessie and Nell.
  A nationally recognized restaurant, Kountry Kitchen has caught the 
attention of many notable figures, including Jimmy Fallon, former 
President Barack Obama, and Indianapolis native Mike Epps.
  In early 2020, Kountry Kitchen suffered a devasting fire. Thankfully, 
there was no loss of life, but the establishment suffered extensive 
damage. With the help of a $400,000 grant, assistance from local 
organizations, and the entire Indianapolis community coming together, 
Kountry Kitchen broke ground on its new location in the summer of 2022. 
One year later, we are proudly celebrating their grand reopening.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our 
congratulations and thanks to a beloved community staple and 
recognizing the enduring legacy of this iconic Indianapolis 
destination.

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