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.