[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8154-8155]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF JIM'S STEAK AND SPAGHETTI HOUSE

  Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I rise to speak about an amazing West 
Virginia family who is celebrating the 75th anniversary of their small 
business this week on June 8. Jim Tweel founded Jim's Steak and 
Spaghetti House in 1938 when he purchased the Kennedy Dairy Store and 
renamed it Jim's Dairy Bar.
  The restaurant specialized in burgers and milkshakes until 1944, when 
Roberto Elmoro, an Italian native, approached Jim about starting a 
spaghetti house using Elmoro's own personal recipes. Jim agreed and 
expanded the restaurant to the room next-door. Hence, the Spaghetti 
House opened in July of 1944.
  Since that time the restaurant has been renamed and remodeled, but 
the values of the restaurant have remained the same: to give customers 
excellent service and outstanding food. Located in the heart of 
Huntington on 5th Avenue, Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House offers great 
food, from homemade spaghetti, soup and sandwiches, to fresh coleslaw, 
pickled beets, and tasty pies. Over the years I think I have tasted and 
enjoyed all of them.
  But this family-owned-and-operated business offers so much more to 
its loyal clientele and visitors alike, because this is not just a 
restaurant, this is a landmark and an institution. As you step in the 
doors, you travel through time and are greeted by a smile from 
everybody. With its 1950-style decor, Jim's walls are adorned with 
photos of the restaurant's creator posing with some of the most 
renowned public figures and celebrities who have stopped by for a meal, 
people such as President John F. Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, 
President George Bush, Dustin Hoffman, Bill Cosby, and Muhammad Ali.
  In fact, many West Virginians also travel from miles away to get to 
Jim's because the restaurant is one of the most famous spots in our 
State. Folks from the Tweel family are not only successful business 
leaders but also community advocates who are committed to making a 
positive difference in Huntington and the Tri-State region.
  Jim Tweel established his recipe of success 75 years ago based on 
five principles: good service, good food, courtesy, cleanness, and 
ambience. Even though Jim Tweel is no longer with us, those same 
principles still guide the family-owned and community institution that 
is now run by Jim's daughter Jimmie.
  Small businesses are the heart and soul of West Virginia's economy. 
It has always been one of my top priorities to make sure small 
businesses have the support they need to be successful and create good-
paying jobs in West Virginia.
  I wish to congratulate and recognize the Tweel family for their 
successes, especially 95-year-old Sally Rahall Tweel, Jim's wife and 
one of the current owners, as well as Jim's children: Jimmie Tweel 
Carter, the restaurant manager; Larry Tweel, the company president; and 
Ron Tweel, an officer of the corporation.
  Their strong work ethic, their passion for the business, and their 
love of their community, all of which have been passed down from 
generation to generation, represent the very best our State, the great 
State of West Virginia, has to offer. Congratulations on 75 wonderful 
years.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

[[Page 8155]]


  Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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