Assembly Resolution No. 49

BY: M. of A. Conrad

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Ristorante
Lombardo of Buffalo, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Ristorante Lombardo; and

WHEREAS, In March of 1975, Thomas J. Lombardo, Sr., and Thomas
Lombardo, Jr., purchased a former frozen pizza factory in a northern
part of Buffalo, New York, naming it Lombardo's; and

WHEREAS, In the summer of 1986, Thomas Lombardo, Jr., followed his
vision of creating a fine-dining destination, having the restaurant
remodeled for the first time in the 11 years of its operation; white
tablecloths adorned the tables, rendering the dining room a more upscale
attraction; and

WHEREAS, Known for its Italian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere,
Lombardo's became an immensely successful and popular place for the
residents of Buffalo and the surrounding region to hold family
gatherings, celebrate special occasions, and enjoy delicious food
prepared from generational family recipes; and

WHEREAS, A subsequent, and more extensive, remodeling occurred in
September of 1994; the new layout, expanding the front dining room and
adding one of Buffalo's most beautiful and secluded patios, is still the
current design; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Lombardo, Sr., semi-retired from tending the bar,
and Thomas Lombardo, Jr., introduced John Spasiano, one of Buffalo's
most talented barmen, to serve the patrons; and

WHEREAS, In August of 1996, Thomas Lombardo, Jr., and his wife,
Donna, visited Italy for the first time and were amazed by the diverse
food, flavors, and culture of the peninsula; upon their return home,
they started to incorporate the cuisine they experienced into Lombardo's
menu; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the late 1990s and the 2000s, the couple spent
time in Italy annually; Lombardo's menu features even more of the
regional Italian cuisine experienced and enjoyed during each trip; in
September of 2010, the kitchen was remodeled, and a wood-burning pizza
oven was installed, adding thin crust pizza to the menu; and

WHEREAS, Thomas D. Lombardo, a third-generation part of the family,
returned to Buffalo after a decade of working in New York City; every
few years, new projects and renovations improve and expand the

restaurant to create more memorable experiences for the guests of
Lombardo's; and

WHEREAS, The progression of Ristorante Lombardo, is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the Lombardo family and their employees,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and
the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with immense pride that the hard-working and
dedicated staff members of Ristorante Lombardo, celebrate this milestone
50th Anniversary and anticipate many more years of success for
generations to come; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and state economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that 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 the 50th Anniversary of Ristorante Lombardo; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ristorante Lombardo.