[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING HENRY'S DINER

  Mr. WELCH. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of an iconic Vermont institution, Henry's Diner. Henry's 
Diner has provided delicious food, welcoming ambience, and classic 
consistency to the Burlington, VT, community since 1925.
  Henry's Diner was founded in 1925 by Henry Couture, a beloved 
Burlingtonian and entrepreneur. At the time, diners were perceived as 
lower-class, and women hardly ever ate at them. But Mr. Couture 
dedicated himself to building an institution that was welcoming to 
everyone. He included special touches to attract female patrons, and 
the diner grew into a place frequented by all. Today, you can find 
anyone from day laborers to college students to politicians enjoying a 
meal under the original railroad cart ceiling.
  Henry's 100-year tenure has not been without its challenges. A fire 
in 1969 necessitated a months-long closure and heavy renovations to the 
business. Still, care was taken to preserve as much of the original 
diner as possible, and Henry's successfully reopened the following 
year.
  In the early 90s, a McDonald's opened directly across the street from 
Henry's. Some feared this signaled a cultural shift and could spell the 
end of the historic diner. However, the McDonald's closed years ago 
while Henry's remains standing proudly on Bank Street. During COVID-19, 
like many other Vermont businesses, the diner weathered staffing 
shortages and temporary closures.
  In the face of all these difficulties, Henry's has persevered. For a 
century now, Henry's has remained a place where people from all walks 
of life can gather over hearty food and a hot cup of coffee. The values 
that characterize Henry's--community, kindness, and acceptance--are 
Vermont values, and our state would not be the same without Henry's 
sitting in the heart of Burlington.
  Henry's has changed ownership multiple times across its history and 
was most recently bought by Patricio Ortiz in 2024. Despite changing 
hands, each owner has carried on the quality service that has made 
Henry's so beloved. I wish the Ortiz family nothing but success in 
continuing Henry's legacy and look forward to another 100 years of good 
food and great company.
  Thank you, Henry's Diner, for feeding the hearts and souls of so many 
Vermonters.

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