[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING PALMER PLACE RESTAURANT & BIERGARTEN'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Palmer Place 
Restaurant & Biergarten in La Grange, Illinois on its 30th Anniversary. 
For the past three decades, Palmer Place has been the keystone of 
downtown La Grange as it has grown into one of the most vibrant 
communities in suburban Chicago. Since its founding, Palmer Place has 
served delicious food and quality beers in a warm and welcoming 
atmosphere.
  In 1982, Ruth Palmer returned home from a trip to Germany with the 
inspiration to open what would be the first Biergarten in Chicago's 
western suburbs. Despite the risky business circumstances, in 1983, 
Ruth and Mike Palmer founded Palmer Place Restaurant & Biergarten. In 
the past 30 years the Palmer family has been monumental in reviving 
downtown La Grange, and helping to make it the thriving business 
district it is today.
  Though the restaurant has grown from 8 employees to 126, Palmer Place 
remains family owned and operated by Ruth Palmer, and after the passing 
of Mike Palmer in 1990, their sons Phil and Steve Palmer. Now, the 
third generation of Palmer's has begun work in the family business: 
Kyle Palmer, Merle Palmer, and Robert Palmer. The family's commitment 
to the community has been extraordinary over the past 30 years. In 2012 
alone, Palmer Place donated over $50,000 in gift-certificates to local 
charities in addition to the family conducting and contributing to 
numerous charitable events. The family's commitment is further 
illustrated in the active role they have played in the La Grange 
Business Association, West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, and the 
Illinois Restaurant Association.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Palmer 
Place Restaurant & Biergarten on its 30th Anniversary. The Palmer 
Family's flourishing restaurant is a shining example of the positive 
influence that local businesses can have on their communities. May it 
continue to thrive in La Grange and serve as an example to all small 
business entrepreneurs.

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