Honor Eddie's 85th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2308 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 85th Anniversary of Eddie's Restaurant of Sylvan Beach, New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize illustrious culinary establishments which have positively impacted and substantially contributed to the vitality of their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of Eddie's Restaurant; this milestone was celebrated with a dinner at the restaurant, Saturday, August 17,

2019, featuring live music, family fun activities, giveaways and 85 cent specials; and WHEREAS, Established in 1934, Eddie Stewart Sr. and his wife, Florence (Fifi), opened a hot dog stand in Sylvan Beach; they chose a location near and dear to their hearts, close to the water and sunshine on the shore of Oneida Lake; and WHEREAS, A landmark within its community, the quaint stand developed into a busy restaurant, popular not only with families and friends, but also famous stars; in its heyday, the big band sounds of Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington could be heard from a popular nearby nightclub and stories were told of celebrity sightings such as Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, The Ink Spots, Harry James, Nat King Cole, Desi Arnaz, Dagmar, The Dorsey Brothers, Liza Minnelli and George Foreman; and WHEREAS, Eddie's Restaurant quickly became an institution, offering its patrons a full menu including its special, The Original Hot Ham Sandwich, created by accident one busy summer day; with no hot dogs left, Eddie made one of his favorite sandwiches, grilled capicola ham on a seeded roll, the crowd loved it; and WHEREAS, As the years passed, the diners kept coming back, whether it was the mouth-watering hot dogs, homemade cream pies, seafood, Italian specials, The Original Hot Ham Sandwich, the friendly staff or nostalgic reminders of a simpler time; and WHEREAS, Today, longtime customers return for that wistful experience, sharing the good times with their children and grandchildren; a day at the beach was never complete without a stop at Eddie's Restaurant; and WHEREAS, The Stewart children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all worked at Eddie's Restaurant; carrying on the legacy is son, Eddie Jr. and his wife, Leslie; grandson, Edward III (Rick); granddaughter, Alison; and great-grandchildren, Edward IV, Emily, Ava, and Ania; and WHEREAS, The remarkable success of Eddie's Restaurant is due in large part to its owners and staff whose warmth and hospitality are easily recognized by their loyal diners; this dynamic family is well-versed in customer service and truly makes everyone who walks through their door feel like family; and WHEREAS, For over eight decades, Eddie'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, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and State economies, fully confident it will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate Eddie's Restaurant upon the occasion of celebrating its 85th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Eddie's Restaurant.