[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E868-E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CLAIRE'S CORNER COPIA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2025

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, in my hometown of New Haven, on the corner 
of Chapel and College Streets, there is an eclectic, gourmet vegetarian 
restaurant that is among the most popular and beloved in the city. 
Today, Claire's Corner Copia marks its 50th Anniversary--an outstanding 
milestone for this one-of-a-kind culinary treasure. I am proud to rise 
today to join the many family, friends, patrons, and community leaders 
who have gathered in extending my heartfelt congratulations to its 
owner, Claire Criscuolo, and her exceptional team on this very special 
occasion.
  Love and family have always been at the heart of Claire's Corner 
Copia. Claire and her late husband, Frank, opened the restaurant as a 
way to spend more time together and focused on bringing the essence of 
the recipes Claire used for her home-cooked meals to their customers. 
That sense of family extended not only to those who came to eat but, 
most importantly, to those who worked for them. Unlike most in the 
industry, instead of making her employees rely on tips, Claire pays her 
staff a fair wage, provides health benefits, and paid time off. By 
investing in her employees, Claire has created a unique work 
environment, built on mutual respect and trust. It is why so many have 
stayed with her for more than a decade, weathering even the worst of 
economic trials with her. They are not just people who work for her, 
they are family. That is the secret of the success of Claire's Corner 
Copia.
  What is it, you may ask, that makes Claire's Corner Copia so popular? 
Perhaps it is the mismatched furniture placed throughout the dining 
area. Maybe it is the menu artfully scrawled in multicolored chalk 
across a series of blackboards. It could be the charm of the immersive 
dining experience--waiting in line

[[Page E869]]

to place your order, picking up your cutlery and bussing your own 
table. Personally, I believe it is the quality and care that is put 
into everything that is served. Claire is meticulous in designing her 
all-vegetarian menu, always ensuring the freshest of ingredients are 
used and taking great pride in how it is prepared. While Claire's 
Corner Copia is known for its incredible selections, its most popular 
items are the delicious baked goods that are made in-house every day. 
If you find yourself in downtown New Haven, I highly recommend stopping 
into Claire's and trying their signature Lithuanian Coffee Cake--it is 
not to be missed.
  I want to extend a special note of congratulations to Claire 
Criscuolo. The restaurant business is not easy, and her determination, 
vision, creativity, and entrepreneurial skill have made Claire's Corner 
Copia an iconic local landmark. Claire is also a dedicated member of 
our community, supporting a variety of organizations including New 
Haven Reads, St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima Schools, and Smilow 
Cancer Hospital. I cannot remember a time when I did not know her, and 
I consider myself fortunate to call her my friend. I am honored to rise 
today to extend my very best wishes to her and her staff on this very 
special occasion. Happy 50th Anniversary.

                          ____________________