[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23309]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL J. SALVATORE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Russell ``Russ'' J. 
Salvatore for his lifelong dedication to service and hospitality in 
western New York. As owner of Salvatore's Italian Gardens of Buffalo, 
NY, for the past 40 years, Russ built a restaurant that has become one 
of western New York's most famous culinary treasures.
  Originally owned by his father Joseph Salvatore, Salvatore's 
Restaurant was first located on East Delavan Avenue and Harriet Street 
on Buffalo's East Side. In 1967, Salvatore's Restaurant was passed down 
to Russ and his brother, but it was not long before Russ pursued his 
own endeavors and opened ``Salvatore's Italian Gardens'' on Transit 
Road. Thanks to Russ's selfless devotion and passion to serve the 
public, he converted what was once a small pizza and hot dog stand into 
an internationally praised fine-dining landmark.
  Russ's dream of running the largest fine dining restaurant in Buffalo 
became reality through his commitment and hard work. Today, Salvatore's 
Italian Gardens is one of the biggest, most impressive restaurants in 
the entire country. A perfectionist, Russ never tired from the day-to-
day operations of his business but embraced and enjoyed every moment.
  Under Russ's direction, Salvatore's Italian Gardens has been 
recognized with endless awards that confirm Salvatore's excellence in 
fine dining, banquets, and culinary expertise. The Triple A 3-Diamond 
Award, and the Millennium International Award of Excellence, named the 
restaurant as one of America's top 100 restaurants of the 20th century.
  Even after signing over his restaurant to his son, Joe, in 2004, Russ 
continued to run the place and interact enthusiastically with patrons. 
Now that his business has been completely turned over to Joe, Russ has 
decided to continue making significant contributions to the western New 
York community by building a new school for Trocaire College--the 
Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality and Business. Through this 
school, Russ hopes to educate others about careers and opportunities in 
the hospitality industry.
  Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to stand before you and 
honor one of Western New York's finest entrepreneurs. Mr. Salvatore's 
lifelong accomplishments have truly enriched the life quality of 
Buffalo and western New York. Russ, you have created a truly remarkable 
legacy, and I wish you continued fulfillment in all of your future 
endeavors.

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