Senate Resolution No. 2812

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the historic
Vescio's Franklin Hotel of Rome, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly recognize those businesses within the State of New York
which have positively impacted their communities and to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the
communities of the State of New York; 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 the historic Vescio's Franklin Hotel
of Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, In the spring of 1972, with the help of his mother Theresa,
Philip J. Vescio purchased the Franklin Hotel; in those early days, the
hotel served as a men's rooming house with a daily lunch special often
including meatballs, sausage and peppers, and pasta, all of which can
still be found on its Old Favorite's Menu; and

WHEREAS, With his sons, Philip III, Mark and Matthew, as well as his
wife Carol, Philip J. Vescio transformed the Franklin Hotel into a
workingman's restaurant and bar which focused on serving good food and
draft beer at affordable prices; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the restaurant was always filled with the
lively conversation of men who worked in local manufacturing, such as
Rome Cable, Rome Iron Mill, Revere Copper & Brass, and Strip Steel; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, a true staple within the family business and
the Rome community-at-large, Phil Vescio could often be found singing,
hollering and dancing throughout the restaurant; he spoke about sports,
restaurants and entertained all of his beloved customers in his own
charming way; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, after earning his culinary degree from Mohawk
Valley Community College (MVCC), Philip III expanded the existing menu
into a middle-class tavern with some Italian flair; the updated menu
included traditional and unique dinner fare with locally sourced
ingredients; and

WHEREAS, Mark and Philip worked together to cultivate the Franklin's
dinner business; while Mark earned his bachelor's degree in accounting
from LeMoyne College, he came home every weekend to work in partnership
with his brother; upon his graduation in 1993, Mark returned to the
family business full time; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, the brotherly duo, alongside their father,
expanded the business further and started to build the current banquet
facility and in-house bakery; the Franklin Hotel specializes in creating
unique French and Italian inspired pastry; and

WHEREAS, The Franklin Hotel is the true definition of a family
business; Phil and Carol's daughter, Mary, grew up bussing tables and
serving patrons, before joining the family business full time in 2005,
after earning her bachelor's degree from LeMoyne College; the Vescio
family has also grown to include spouses and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, the family experienced a great loss when their
patriarch, Phil, passed away; it was a loss suffered by the family and
felt throughout the community; though it is not quite the same, when you
walk through the door and don't hear his booming voice or see him
sitting at his usual table, you are still welcomed by the smiling faces
of his family and staff; through their hard work, they continue to
demonstrate the values he instilled in them and most importantly, his
family and staff continually express their gratitude to each and every
customer that passes through their doors, always making them feel like
family; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to express its highest admiration for the historic Vescio's Franklin
Hotel, and for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper
attention to a place and time which merits recognition in the grand
panorama of the history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the historic Vescio's Franklin
Hotel; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Vescio's Franklin Hotel.