[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE KATERGARIS FAMILY

  (Mr. Norman of South Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
outstanding South Carolina family and small business whose story 
reflects the true American values of hard work, service, and community. 
George and Joanna Katergaris along with their children, Mina and Mike, 
are the longtime owners of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Fort Lawn, 
South Carolina.
  For nearly five decades, the Wagon Wheel has been a cornerstone of 
the community and a gathering place for generations of families all 
across Chester County.
  George and Joanna came to the United States from Greece in the 1970s 
in search of an opportunity and a better life for their family. They 
arrived in America with no connections, no government handouts, no 
safety net to rely on, and worked their way forward step by step. With 
them, they brought a deep respect for the values of faith, family, and 
hard work.
  When the Katergaris family took ownership of the Wagon Wheel in 1978, 
the road ahead was challenging. Their restaurant was located in a 
location with dirt roads and one paved road. With dedication and a 
clear commitment to quality, they built the restaurant into a beloved 
local institution.
  Known for its traditional southern cooking and welcoming atmosphere, 
the Wagon Wheel quickly became a place where neighbors, friends, and 
families gathered year after year. Over time, southern dishes like 
fried squash, fresh seasonal vegetables, and homemade dinner rolls 
became favorites on the menu, but it is the welcoming atmosphere and 
care in every detail that kept people coming back.
  The Katergaris family has created an environment defined by quality, 
by consistency, and by genuine hospitality.
  The connection between the restaurant and its community has always 
been strong. Over the years, customers have shown their appreciation in 
countless ways, just as the owners have consistently given back through 
service and care. This mutual respect reflects the close relationships 
that they have grown over generations and made the restaurant a 
cornerstone in this area.

                              {time}  1030

  Today, the Wagon Wheel continues to thrive under their daughter, 
Mina, and her husband, Bill Nixon, who carry on the same traditions and 
standards that have guided the restaurant for nearly 50 years. Their 
son, Mike, also remains actively involved, especially during the 
busiest times of the year. Together, with their dedicated staff, they 
have upheld a strong reputation that continues to define the Wagon 
Wheel Restaurant.
  The story of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant is a testament of their hard 
work, their integrity, and their devotion to the community. It reminds 
us that real, lasting success is about the people that you treat well 
along the way.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the family of South Carolina, I thank 
George and Joanna and their family for their many years of service in 
Fort Lawn and Chester County. I pray their work continues to inspire 
people to lead by their strong values. They epitomize the American 
spirit of faith, family, and freedom.

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