[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 65 (Monday, April 15, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                    RECOGNIZING THE LANDMARK BISTRO

 Ms. ERNST. Madam 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 The 
Landmark Bistro of Grundy Center, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  In 2015, Jill Krausman founded The Landmark Bistro inside a former 
gas station in downtown Grundy Center after seeing the need for a 
quality restaurant in the area. The bistro serves a variety of salads, 
burgers, and sandwiches made in-house from locally sourced ingredients. 
Jill's menu has expanded over the years and even includes a special 
section called ``Jill's Favorites,'' featuring items named after her 
six grandchildren. From wall art that incorporates the history of the 
town to local yearbooks that date back to the early 1900s, The Landmark 
Bistro has Grundy Center pride on full display.
  The Landmark Bistro went above and beyond to serve their community 
during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating fully functional carry-out and 
delivery services to ensure customers could still access local food. In 
the years since the pandemic, The Landmark Bistro team has continued to 
provide carry-out options while also offering catering services for 
events.
  The restaurant is well-recognized for its hard work. The Landmark 
Bistro was on the 99 Counties, 99 Restaurants list compiled by Travel 
Iowa, as well as the Iowa Pork Producers' Best Tenderloins list. In 
2021, Jill was one of the 40 Women to Watch in the Hospitality Industry 
designated by the Iowa Restaurant Association. Her entrepreneurial 
spirit runs in the family; Jill's daughter, Katie Lewis, owns the 319 
Decor & Design shop in Grundy Center. In November 2022, America's SBDC 
Iowa named The Landmark Bistro and 319 Decor & Design as their Business 
of the Month.
  Jill and Katie are both supportive of the Grundy Center Chamber-Main 
Street. The Landmark Bistro has also supported other small businesses 
in the area through promotions, most notably, their program with the 
Grundy Center Theatre, where customers can eat at the restaurant and 
earn ``theatre bucks'' for concession items. They are also actively 
involved in the Grundy Center Historical Society and the Grundy Center 
Kiwanis Club. Due to their hard work, The Landmark Bistro celebrated 
their ninth business anniversary in 2024.
  The Landmark Bistro's commitment to providing a quality dining 
experience in Grundy Center is clear. I want to congratulate Jill 
Krausman, the Krausman family, and the entire team at The Landmark 
Bistro for their continued dedication to providing a high-quality 
restaurant experience for Iowans. I look forward to seeing their 
continued growth and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________