Honor Mr. Willy's Restaurant

Senate Resolution No. 622 BY: Senator BONACIC HONORING Mr. Willy's Restaurant for nearly a half century of extraordinary service to the Monticello community WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of businesses and individuals who generously contribute to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mr. Willy's Restaurant for nearly a half century of extraordinary service to the Monticello community; on Saturday, January 28, 2017, countless community members gathered for a buffet to celebrate the restaurant's final day of service; and WHEREAS, In 1968, Bill Sipos opened Bend N Elbow, a seven seat bar with a back room and kitchen that would later become the renowned Mr. Willy's Restaurant; and WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings of no air conditioning, poor heating and no insulation, Mr. Willy's Restaurant slowly began to grow; the 1970s saw the promotion of live music and outdoor events; the installation of a DJ system in its back room coupled with nightly specials drew students from Sullivan County Community College as well as the new staff from Community General Hospital; and WHEREAS, During the 1980s, as the business began to grow, Bill Sipos made many structural changes, including the addition of the rose room and the renovation of the bar, kitchen, air conditioning and heating systems, as well as the introduction of a catering business; and WHEREAS, With the success of the catering business throughout the 1990s, Mr. Willy's Restaurant began slowly moving ahead with its food service, providing both on and off premises catering; during this time of growth, Bill Sipos began giving back to the community, hosting events for numerous charitable organizations including CASA, the Federation for the Homeless, RISE, and the Recovery Center; and WHEREAS, Truly committed to Sullivan County, Bill Sipos founded Community Unity in 2006, an organization established to break the cycle of abuse; the same year he was designated as Business Man of the Year by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and received the Community Service Award from the SYDA Foundation; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Bill Sipos, Mr. Willy's Restaurant has stood as a beloved establishment which has provided a friendly, open environment for patrons to collectively gather and share their thoughts, ideas and life experiences; and WHEREAS, A true landmark in the Monticello community, Mr. Willy's Restaurant will always be remembered by the residents of Sullivan County as a home away from home; and WHEREAS, The success of Mr. Willy's Restaurant is in direct correlation to the efforts of Bill Sipos and his wonderful staff, whose involvement has always been characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of this renowned business and the community it served for nearly five decades; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Mr. Willy's Restaurant; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and businesses of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Mr. Willy's Restaurant for nearly a half century of extraordinary service to the Monticello community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Bill Sipos.