J 175: Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Harpoon Eddie's Restaurant of Sylvan Beach, New York

 Senate Resolution No. 175 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Harpoon 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 40th Anniversary of Harpoon Eddie's Restaurant of Sylvan Beach, New York to be celebrated at an event on Thursday, August 8, 2024; and WHEREAS, Eddie's Restaurant began from humble beginnings as a hot dog stand on Oneida Lake with eight stools for patrons; the founders, Eddie Stewart Sr. and his wife Florence, found great success in this new venture, winning over the hearts of locals for years to come; and WHEREAS, Following in the footsteps of his father, Edward Stewart Jr. and his wife Leslie opened Harpoon Eddie's as a small beach bar to grab a drink at before heading to Eddie's Restaurant for dinner in 1984; and WHEREAS, Harpoon Eddie's was created with the idea of bringing the feeling of Florida to Upstate New York; the restaurant is situated right on the water, hosting views of beautiful sunsets, lake sports, and more, while serving up delicious cocktails and food; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Harpoon Eddie's has expanded many times, adding multiple patios and a cabana bar, as well as doubling the size of the restaurant interior; starting with a small snack menu, the restaurant has developed into having one of the largest menus on the beach with eclectic stylings from all over the country; and WHEREAS, In the true spirit of community, Harpoon Eddie's hosts and sponsors many local events, such as the Nova Volleyball Tournament, 3rd of July Fireworks, Pirates Weekend, Vettes at the Beach, Jeep Weekend, Canal Fest, the Harpoon 500 and more; the Harpoon 500 is a winter snowmobile drag race on the ice directly in front of Harpoon Eddie's, where grandson Rick holds the record of owning one of the fastest snowmobiles in the world; and WHEREAS, The remarkable success of Harpoon Eddie's Restaurant is due in large part to its owners, managers, and their dedicated staff, whose warmth and hospitality are easily recognized by their loyal patrons; this dynamic business is well-versed in customer service and truly makes everyone who walks through their door feel like family; and WHEREAS, The staff's 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, with countless members of the Stewart family having worked and still working at the restaurant over the years; 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 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 40th Anniversary of Harpoon Eddie's Restaurant of Sylvan Beach, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Harpoon Eddie's Restaurant.