LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Russ and Daughters upon the occasion
of celebrating its 100th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize illustri-
ous culinary establishments which have positively impacted and substan-
tially 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 commend
Russ and Daughters upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniver-
sary; and
WHEREAS, Russ and Daughters first opened in 1914, and from the begin-
ning, served as a focal point for the immigrant neighborhood that has
been the starting place for generations of Americans; and
WHEREAS, For over 100 years, Russ and Daughters has remained committed
to providing quality smoked fish and other appetizing delicacies; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed New York institution was founded by Joel Russ,
an Eastern European immigrant who arrived in America in 1907; he began
selling pickled herring and Polish mushrooms out of a pushcart to cater
to the large numbers of Jewish immigrants settling in the Lower East
Side of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1914, Joel Russ opened J Russ International Appetizers, at
a storefront around the corner from the current location, beginning a
tradition of excellence that would endure to the present day; and
WHEREAS, In 1933, the business was renamed "Russ and Daughters" after
Joel Russ made his three daughters, Hattie, Ida and Anne, partners in
the store; historically, businesses only took on the name "and sons",
but since Joel Russ only had daughters, the store forged ahead in its
own unique way; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Russ and Daughters became renowned and much
beloved for their wonderful offerings and delicious menu items; through-
out this time it has served as a gathering place for generations of
Jewish and non-Jewish customers seeking a great nosh; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, a fourth generation of the Russ family officially
took the helm at the venerable shop; Niki Russ Federman, daughter of
former owner Mark Russ Federman, and her cousin Josh Russ Tupper, have
admirably carried on the legacy of their forebears after discovering a
passion for the family business while working in other careers; and
WHEREAS, There is no town square in New York City more vibrant than
Russ and Daughters on the day before an important holiday; and
WHEREAS, Russ and Daughters has been featured in the PBS documentary,
"The Jews of New York," highlighting the contributions of multiple
generations of the Russ Family during the past century; furthermore, it
has also been featured in the movie, "Lola Versus", and on an episode of
the TV series "Louie"; and
WHEREAS, Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Russ and
Daughters continues to honor the spirit of the historic Lower East
Side's Yiddish tradition, keeping it alive in their menus and signs; and
WHEREAS, A century of exceptional culinary tradition flourishes on to
yet another century with the opening of the Russ and Daughters Cafe on
Orchard Street on the Lower East Side; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and
state economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Russ and Daughters upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th
Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Russ and Daughters.